More flashing lights and sirens outside of the White House tonight as a man allegedly drove up to a checkpoint at the perimeter and claimed to have a bomb in his car. Here is the scene, via Twitter.
Here is the scene on 17th St. Firetrucks and hazardous materials units on standby near the White House. pic.twitter.com/XU8Fdo864B
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) March 19, 2017
The man, who is now apparently in custody, “pulled up” at about 12:30 and made the bomb claim/threat.
#BREAKING A car drove up to a White House checkpoint- driver claimed to have a bomb. Area around WH closed off. pic.twitter.com/ooLZeADBUC
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) March 19, 2017
CNN reports that there is no confirmation of any bomb, but that the car is being searched. They also report several streets in the area have been closed and lots of emergency vehicles on scene.
We will post more as it develops.
UPDATE: The President is not at the White House at this time, says spokesman.
UPDATE: Nobles snaps pic from the other side of the perimeter:
On the other sides of the White House–15th and F likely near where the driver attempted to get onto the White House grounds. pic.twitter.com/s1qb1KyHQe
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) March 19, 2017
UPDATE: Just now (~1:30) Secret Service issues a statement.
On March 18, 2017 at approximately 11:05 pm, an individual drove a vehicle up to a Secret Service checkpoint located at 15th Street and E Street NW. Upon contact with the individual, U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division Officers detained the individual and declared his vehicle suspicious.
In accordance with proper protocols, Secret Service personnel increased their posture of readiness.
Due to the fact that this is an on-going criminal investigation, the Secret Service will not provide any further details at this time.
Naturally, an extremely similar statement to the one issued earlier today after a man jumped over the bicycle racks and attempted to access the White House grounds.
UPDATE:
The robot is checking out the car.
NEW: from the viewfinder of @abdallahcnn. A robot inspects the trunk of the suspect's car. Still parked outside the White House. pic.twitter.com/WJsr1gejYQ
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) March 19, 2017
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