A vehicle crashed into a gate at the White House complex on May 4, killing the driver inside. However, authorities determined that the incident did not pose a threat to the presidential residence.
The vehicle was traveling at “a high rate of speed” when it collided with an outer perimeter gate on the White House complex at about 10:30 p.m. on May 4, according to the U.S. Secret Service.
Police were called to the intersection of 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW—where the crash occurred—at 10:46 p.m. following reports of a crash.
The unidentified male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Security protocols were implemented as officers cleared the vehicle and attempted to render aid to the driver who was discovered deceased,” Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.
“There was no threat to the White House.”
President Joe Biden was not present at the White House during the incident, according to The Associated Press.
Mr. Guglielmi said “the fatal crash portion” of this incident will be turned over to the Washington Police Department while the Secret Service continues its investigation into the case.
The Jan. 8 crash also happened in the vicinity of the Treasury Building at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. As a result, traffic in the area was affected but closures were lifted after the vehicle was cleared.
The man, Sai Varshith Kandula of Chesterfield, Missouri, told police that he wanted to “seize power” and kill President Biden.
Video footage of that incident showed the truck crashing into the barricades before continuing to attempt to move forward following the initial crash. A Nazi-style flag was captured on photographs and video lying near the vehicle, with a police officer seen folding up the flag, which had been spread out on the ground in public view.
