A vehicle traveling at high speed collided with an outer perimeter gate at the White House complex late Saturday, shortly before 10:30 p.m., according to a statement released by the U.S. Secret Service. Despite the crash, the Secret Service assured that there was "no threat" to the White House itself.
Officers arriving at the scene attempted to render aid to the driver, who was found deceased upon their arrival, the Secret Service statement added. The service has now launched an investigation into the incident in collaboration with the police and fire departments of the District of Columbia.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi noted that there were no threats or public safety implications arising from this event. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the fatal crash and any underlying factors.
In January, another person crashed a vehicle into the exterior gate of the White House complex. Due to a string of high-profile trespassing incidents in recent years, a higher and more robust metal fence was installed around the iconic mansion's perimeter in 2020. The incident on Saturday is another reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and security measures in and around the White House.