A man has been arrested after a vehicle was driven into a security barrier outsidethe White House.
TheUSSecret Service swooped in following the incident last night at a security gate at an entrance to the complex shortly after 10.30pm local time (around 4.30am UK time).
Uniformed agents immediately detained the driver, who has not yet been identified.
The vehicle involved was searched by investigators and later deemed safe. Photos show a bomb detection robot examining the car.
PresidentDonald Trumpwas inside the White House at the time of the crash.
He hosted nearly every Republican senator for a ‘Rose Garden Club’ lunch, projecting a united front as they refuse to yield to Democratic demands for health care funds in the fourth week of thegovernment shutdown.
Authorities did not immediately provide any additional information about the crash, the driver’s identity or any potential motivation.
The immediate area near the corner of 17thand E Streets remains locked down until the dark sedan can be towed away by police.
The US Secret Service said in a statement: ‘At approximately 10.37pm, an individual drove a vehicle into the Secret Service vehicle gate located at 17th & E St, NW, in Washington, DC.
‘The individual was arrested and the vehicle was assessed and deemed safe.
‘Our investigation into the cause of this collision is ongoing.’
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