In a deadly incident late Saturday night a vehicle, reportedly travelling at a high rate of speed, collided with an outer perimeter gate of the United States White House complex, resulting in the death of the driver.
According to reports, the driver, whose identity has been withheld, was discovered deceased within the car following the collision, which occurred just before 10:30 PM local time. The incident, while alarming, did not pose a direct threat to the White House itself, confirmed the US Secret Service in a statement.
"Security protocols were implemented as officers cleared the vehicle and attempted to render aid to the driver who was discovered deceased," stated a spokesperson for the US Security Service.
Authorities have assured that despite the unfortunate incident, the safety and security of the White House were not compromised. Both the Secret Service and the police and fire departments of the District of Columbia have initiated investigations into the fatal crash.
This incident follows a similar event in January, where an individual was apprehended after crashing a vehicle into the exterior gate of the White House complex. Over the years, the iconic mansion has witnessed several high-profile trespassing incidents, prompting enhanced security measures such as the construction of a reinforced metal fence around its perimeter in 2020.
The investigation into Saturday's tragic collision is ongoing, with the Washington Metropolitan Police Department's Major Crash Investigations Unit leading the inquiry alongside the Secret Service.
