WASHINGTON — The U-Haul driver who crashed into a security barrier in Lafayette Square near the White House Monday night was arrested on multiple charges, including threatening to kill or harm a president, vice president or a family member, according to the US Parks Police.
The truck crashed into a security barrier on the north side of Lafayette Square on 16th Street just before 10 p.m., and officers detained the driver, the US Secret Service said.
No injuries were reported to Secret Service or White House personnel, spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.
Initial investigations revealed the driver – who has not been publicly identified – may have deliberately crashed into the barrier, the Secret Service later said.
While authorities have not provided specific details about the alleged threats, US Park Police say the man faces charges of threatening to kill, kidnap or injure a President, vice president or family member.
The driver was also arrested on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, destruction of federal property and trespass, according to the Park Police.
After the accident, the truck was searched by bomb technicians and no explosives or incendiary devices were found, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN.
Video from CNN affiliate WUSA shows a Parks Police officer inventorying a U-Haul truck, packing up some evidence. Among the items that appeared to have come from the truck were a flag that looked like a swastika, a black backpack and a roll of duct tape.
The incident prompted a road closure as authorities investigated the crash, and the nearby Hay-Adams hotel was evacuated at the request of the Secret Service, a hotel employee told CNN. Hotel guests and employees were allowed back in when police deemed it safe moments later.
The FBI's National Capital Response Force is assisting the Park Police and Secret Service with investigations.
The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.