A truck crashed into the security barriers near the White House: its driver was arrested

He United States Secret Service arrested this Monday night the driver of a truck that crashed into the security barriers near the White House. Anti-bomb protocol was activated, roads were closed and some nearby buildings, such as the Hay Adams hotel, were evacuated. There were no injuries.

The incident took place around 10pm (local time). As reported Antonio Guglielmispokesman for the secret services, the suspect may have caused the accident on purpose.

After the crash, security forces closed several roads near the residence of the President of the United States, Joe Biden, although they ruled out the possibility that there was no explosives in the vehicle. For what, a remote-controlled robot opened the rear compartment of the truck.

In one of the videos circulated on social media, one of the policemen can be seen taking a flag from inside the truck which, displayed on the ground, shows a Nazi swastika symbology.

“Shortly before 10pm on Monday, agents from the Secret Service’s Uniformed Division arrested the driver of a van after the vehicle collided with crash barriers on the side north of Lafayette Square on 16th Street,” the Secret Service said.

And they added: “There were no injuries between Secret Service or White House personnel and the cause and manner of the incident remain under investigation. Road closures are in place and pedestrian walkways are closed while we investigate.”

In addition, they specified that the truck was “considered safe” by the police and that the investigation suggests that “the driver may have intentionally hit the safety barriers in Lafayette Square”.

He also announced that the US park police, in cooperation with the Secret Service, will press charges against the man who was arrested. His identity has not yet been disclosed.

The White House and its environs are fortified with fences that prevent anyone not authorized to approach the complex.