A car crashed into the security gate at the White House on Saturday night, resulting in the death of the driver. The incident is being investigated by the D.C. Police Department as a traffic collision. There were no threats or public safety concerns reported after the crash, according to Anthony Gugliemi, spokesperson for the Secret Service. The agency released a preliminary statement with basic details about the crash and is conducting its own investigation into the incident.
The vehicle was traveling at high speed when it collided with a gate at the outer perimeter of the White House complex just before 10:30 p.m. ET. Officers responded to the crash and attempted to provide aid to the male driver inside the car, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported as a result of the crash. The Secret Service stated that there was no threat to the White House and that the fatal crash portion of the investigation would be handled by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department Crash Investigation Unit, while their own investigation continues.
The driver involved in the crash has not been identified by officials. President Biden was not in Washington, D.C. at the time of the incident, as he was visiting Delaware over the weekend, according to the Associated Press. The Secret Service is continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the crash and has not disclosed any further information about the driver or the cause of the collision. The D.C. Police Department is conducting its own investigation to determine the specifics of what happened leading up to the crash.
The incident has sparked concerns and questions about security measures at the White House and the safety of the surrounding area. Traffic accidents near the White House are not uncommon, but the circumstances of this crash, resulting in the death of the driver, have raised additional scrutiny. The Secret Service, along with other law enforcement agencies, will be reviewing their security protocols and procedures to ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
The White House crash serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in protecting government buildings and officials from potential threats. While the incident was determined to be a traffic collision with no immediate danger to the White House, it underscores the importance of maintaining security measures to prevent any potential risks to public safety. The investigation into the crash will provide more information on the circumstances surrounding the incident and may lead to further changes in security procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
