The man jumped over a construction bollard near the Treasury Building before making a dash for the entrance gate, according to multiple reports. The incident unfolded at around 11:30am US time on Thursday, equivalent to 3:30pm UK time. There was a physical altercation between the suspect and officers before an arrest was made, with a witness reporting seeing US Secret Service agents swarm the scene before tackling the suspect to the ground. The man was quickly detained by uniformed officers after jumping over the bollard, encountered near a pedestrian gate where he engaged in a physical altercation before being taken into custody, according to Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service chief of communications. The swift response by Secret Service agents prevented any further access to the site, ensuring security protocols were maintained.
One officer sustained a laceration, and a second person suffered minor injuries. Both the officer and the suspect underwent medical evaluation for non-life-threatening injuries. The identity of the arrested man and the motive or intent behind the attempted breach remain unknown, as do any potential weapons involvement and the specific charges the suspect is facing.
Police have confirmed that one person remains in custody. Officers cleared the area around the White House following the incident, and there is now a heavy security presence in place around the entrance. How long the area was cleared and when normal access was restored has not been disclosed. The incident highlights ongoing security measures at the White House, with authorities maintaining vigilance to prevent unauthorized access.