Security breach near White House as van crashes into barricade, driver detained; area shut down

The U.S. Capitol Building viewed from the National Mall on March 8, 2026 in Washington, DC. Aaron Schwartz/Getty Images/AFP

A van crashed into a security barricade near the White House early Wednesday, prompting authorities to shut down parts of downtown Washington during the morning rush hour, reported news agency AFP.

Police said the incident occurred at Lafayette Square, located just north of the White House. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody and there were no reports of injuries.

The United States Secret Service confirmed the incident in a statement and said officers were investigating the circumstances surrounding the vehicle.

“We are looking into a suspicious vehicle. The driver of the car has been detained and is being questioned,” the agency said.

Authorities closed several major streets around the White House as security teams responded to the situation. The closures prevented government employees and other city workers from reaching their offices and caused heavy traffic congestion in the area.

Washington has been operating under heightened security conditions amid the ongoing US-Israel war involving Iran.

Emergency vehicles with flashing lights filled the area as law enforcement personnel worked at the scene. Tourists and residents waited nearby for the streets to reopen while monitoring updates on their phones.