WASHINGTON (7News) — Two individuals were arrested Monday morning after separate incidents near the White House, prompting a temporary lockdown, according to the U.S. Secret Service (USSS).
Just before 10 a.m., a vehicle crashed onto the sidewalk on the north side of Lafayette Park, near 16th and H Streets NW. Secret Service Police and National Guard members responded quickly. The driver was reportedly combative with law enforcement but was arrested without further incident.
Authorities called the Metropolitan Police Department's (MPD) Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to examine the vehicle, leading to road closures around Lafayette Park. Witnesses noted the disruption, with one visitor from the UK remarking on the closed roads while attempting to reach the White House.
Simultaneously, a second individual jumped a barricade near the northwest corner of Lafayette Park and was also arrested. Both incidents led to a lockdown in the area, which was lifted around 11 a.m., as reported by the White House press pool.
The investigations into both incidents are ongoing. Recent security concerns have arisen, including a previous incident involving a man found with firearms in a stolen vehicle near the White House.
The Secret Service is currently assessing whether there is any connection between the two arrests, while inquiries into potential charges are being conducted with the U.S. Attorney for D.C.