White House Area Under Lockdown After Van Breaches Security Barricade; Driver Detained

New Delhi: A major security breach near the White House triggered a total lockdown of downtown Washington early Wednesday morning after a van plowed through a security barricade at Lafayette Square.

As per reports, the vehicle struck a gate at Lafayette Square, just north of the White House, which is an area normally bustling with tourists and office workers. 

What MPD said?

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that at approximately 6:37 a.m., its officers responded to the vicinity of the White House to assist the United States Secret Service (USSS) after the van drove through the barricade at Connecticut Avenue and H Street, Northwest.

The statement read "On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at approximately 6:37 a.m., MPD officers responded to the vicinity of the White House to assist the United States Secret Service after a van drove through the barricade at Connecticut Avenue and H Street, Northwest. There are no reported injuries at this time, the van operator was apprehended, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411."

Driver detained; no causalities

The authorities meanwhile detained the driver immediately following the crash. While the individual is currently being interrogated, officials report that there were no casualties or injuries at the site.

Which streets are closed?

As part of the ongoing probe, the Police have temporarily closed several nearby streets due to the ongoing investigation, including New Jersey Avenue, SE, between D and E Streets, Ivy Street, SE, between New Jersey Avenue and Canal Street, E Street, SE, between First and South Capitol Streets and Canal Street, SE, between South Capitol and E Street.

A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed that multiple checkpoints and surrounding roadways were shuttered as federal teams conducted a thorough sweep of the area. 

The agency stated that these closures would remain in effect while the investigation into the "suspicious vehicle" and the driver’s motives continues.

Notably, this incident occurred amid escalating Middle East tensions that have effectively brought global stability to a standstill.

Earlier incident

This latest breach follows a fatal confrontation just weeks ago at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. In that incident, Secret Service agents and local deputies fatally shot an armed 20-year-old from North Carolina who had infiltrated a restricted security zone. 

According to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, the man, previously reported missing by his family, had bypassed the perimeter by tailgating an exiting vehicle. The President was not at the resort during that encounter.