The Secret Service activated the security protocol after a car struck an information panel in Lafayette Park, located near the White House

The U.S. Secret Service activated a security protocol in the White House area on Monday after a vehicle crashed into an information sign in Lafayette Park, located north of the presidential residence. The incident led to restricted access and journalists outside the building being sheltered.

At approximately 10:02 local time (15:02 GMT), Secret Service representatives asked reporters to retreat to the press room. Police officers and National Guard members surrounded the vehicle, while agents forcibly removed a man from the driver's seat and restrained him after a confrontation.

At 10:40, the vehicle was still at the scene of the incident, guarded by National Guard members. No information was immediately provided about the driver's identity, the reason for the act, or any possible victims.

President Donald Trump has previously been targeted in several assassination attempts. One such episode occurred on April 25, during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, when an armed man breached the security detail, and the president, first lady Melania Trump, and cabinet members were evacuated. The National Guard has been deployed in Washington since 2025 to support local law enforcement.