White House
Members of the US Secret Service monitor the scene after a vehicle ran into a security barricade near the White House in Washington, DC, on March 11, 2026. A van smashed through a security barricade near the White House early Wednesday, police said, forcing a shutdown of the area in downtown Washington during morning rush hour. The driver was taken into custody and there were no reported injuries following the pre-dawn incident at Lafayette Square, just north of the White House. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Van Plows Through Barricades at the White House

Authorities from the Metropolitan Police Department were called in to assist the Secret Service around 10 minutes after the crash.

The driver of a van that crashed through a temporary security barrier near the White House was arrested. 

Videos by Wide Open Country

The incident took place this morning, March 11. A spokesperson for the Secret Service told the New York Post that the incident took place at 6:26 a.m. Eastern time near Madison Place and H Street Northwest. That is north of the executive mansion.

Who Crashed Into the White House Barricade?

At this time, the driver of the van has not been identified. He was detained by uniformed officers, and although charges are pending, no specific details have been shared. 

Following the initial response, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., said it was called in to assist the Secret Service about 10 minutes after the incident. The bomb squad later checked the van and declared it was safe. 

Subsequently, the streets surrounding the crash site were blocked off by police and Secret Service just after 8 a.m. Officers were unable to give further details to reporters at that time. According to the Secret Service, the streets were reopened by 10 a.m. Eastern time. 

Was President Donald Trump at the White House?

President Donald Trump was at the White House when the incident occurred. He is scheduled to travel to Ohio and then Kentucky later today. 

Security has been increased at sensitive sites around the country, including U.S. outposts worldwide. These measures are connected to the ongoing war involving the United States and Israeli forces against Iran.