A man drove a car onto a sidewalk near the White House on Saturday, Sept. 19, and was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation, according to WJLA and MEAWW. The Secret Service said the incident happened at about 12:16 p.m. at 16th and H Streets NW, near Lafayette Square, and caused nearby road closures.
What happened
WJLA reported that the Secret Service said the car drove onto the sidewalk at 16th and H Streets NW. D.C. police assisted in the response. The man was taken into custody and then to an area hospital for a mental evaluation, WJLA reported.
MEAWW reported that the driver repeatedly demanded to speak to President Donald Trump. That account was not confirmed in the WJLA report, which did not describe what the man said.
Where Trump was
Trump was not at the White House. MEAWW reported that he was at Camp David at the time and that the man was reportedly unaware the president was away.
The vehicle and the response
Police said the vehicle was swept for dangerous materials and that none were found, according to WJLA. MEAWW quoted a Secret Service spokesperson as saying the agency appreciated "the swift actions of our Secret Service Police Officers" and was grateful to the Metropolitan Police Department for its prompt response.
What is not known
The driver has not been publicly identified in the coverage IF Daily reviewed. No charges have been reported, and officials have not said why he drove onto the sidewalk. A mental health evaluation is a medical assessment and does not by itself indicate a crime or a finding about the person.
IF Daily will update this story if the Secret Service or D.C. police release further details.
