White House Briefly Locked Down After Car Crashes Into Sidewalk Near Lafayette Park, Two Arrested

Last Updated:November 10, 2026, 07:24 IST

The White House was briefly placed under lockdown after a car crashed into a sign near Lafayette Park, while two people were arrested in separate incidents.

News18

Security was tightened around the White House on Monday morning after a car mounted a pavement near Lafayette Park and crashed into an information sign. The incident led to a brief lockdown, while two people were arrested in separate security-related incidents in the area.

The crash took place shortly before 10 AM local time near the intersection of 16th Street and H Street NW, north of the White House. The driver reportedly argued with Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel before being taken into custody.

The Secret Service imposed a lockdown at around 10:02 AM and asked journalists inside the White House to remain in the briefing room. The restriction was lifted approximately 20 minutes later. US President Donald Trump was not in the Oval Office at the time.

In a statement, a Secret Service spokesperson said officers and National Guard personnel had responded to the vehicle crash near Lafayette Park. The driver was described as combative towards law enforcement but was arrested shortly afterwards.

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was also called in to examine the vehicle as a precaution. Authorities subsequently closed roads around Lafayette Park.

In a separate incident around the same time, another person climbed over a security barricade near the park’s north-western corner. The individual was also arrested, the Secret Service said.

Social media posts claimed that the person involved in the vehicle incident was heard shouting, “Oh my God,” while being escorted away from Lafayette Square.

Both incidents are under investigation, according to Fox News. Authorities have not yet established whether the car crash was deliberate or accidental and have not released further details about those arrested.

(With PTI inputs)

Quick Answers

Powered by

Ask News18

Why was the White House placed under a brief lockdown on Monday morning?

The White House was placed under a brief lockdown after a vehicle crashed onto a sidewalk and hit an informational sign near Lafayette Park at around 10:00 AM. The restriction lasted for approximately 20 minutes before being lifted.

What happened to the driver after the car crashed near Lafayette Park?

The driver became combative with Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel before being quickly taken into custody. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team examined the vehicle as a safety precaution.

Were there any other security incidents near the White House at the same time?

Yes, in a separate incident around the same time, another individual jumped over a security barricade near the northwest corner of Lafayette Park and was promptly arrested by the Secret Service.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More

Read More