A tense moment unfolded in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Nov. 9. The Secret Service put the White House on lockdown when a car jumped a curb and plowed through a nearby sign.
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It's Still Unclear What Happened Near the White House
Around 10 a.m. local time, the vehicle drove on the sidewalk north of Lafayette Park, a block away from the White House gates, according to the New York Post. The driver was heard shouting, "Oh my God," as he walked down Pennsylvania Avenue in handcuffs.
Around the same time, another man jumped over a security barrier two blocks away. The Secret Service also arrested that individual.
The cause of both incidents remains unknown, and the Secret Service did not know whether they were connected.
The area where the crash took place is a popular spot among tourists who want to take selfies around the government building. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
It is difficult to accelerate at the intersection where the accident took place. Incoming traffic must travel a single cobblestone lane on 16th Street NW. Then they must turn left at a traffic light onto H Street.
How Long Did the Lockdown Last?
The lockdown restrictions at the White House were lifted after 20 minutes. President Donald Trump was in the building at the time. He was preparing for a meeting with Qatar's prime minister.
He also scheduled time to speak with Dana White. While he offered the White House Press Secretary job to the UFC CEO over the weekend, President Trump walked back his comments, saying he was "only kidding."
Lafayette Park is typically open to visitors. However, it currently has tall anti-riot fencing along the square. This is due to recent White House renovations and the installation of new sod.
The lockdown comes months after a shooting incident near the White House. Suspect Nasire Best allegedly approached the complex before opening fire on May 23.
Secret Service agents shot Best, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital. A bystander was also hospitalized with serious injuries. The Secret Service had arrested Best a year earlier.
