White House Security Shaken as Van Smashes Barricade — Driver in Custody, Says 'God Told Me to Do It'

A van drove through a security barricade near the White House in Washington, D.C. on the morning of Wednesday, 11 March 2026, prompting a swift response from the US Secret Service. Authorities say the driver, identified as Christopher Cavanaugh, has been taken into custody.

​Reports say the Metropolitan Police Department and Secret Service responded to the White House area at around 6:30 a.m. after a vehicle struck a metal barricade at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and H Street Northwest, just north of the White House complex, per Fox 5.

​An official statement from the Metropolitan Police Department said, 'On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at approximately 6:37 a.m., MPD officers responded to the vicinity of the White House to assist the United States Secret Service after a van drove through the barricade at Connecticut Avenue and H Street, Northwest.'

​It continued, 'There are no reported injuries at this time, the van operator was apprehended, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.'​

Detention and Investigation

The United States Secret Service (USSS) confirmed that officers with the Uniformed Division were investigating a vehicle of interest near the White House. Authorities confirmed the driver of the said vehicle has been taken into custody and was held for questioning.

​The statement said, 'Secret Service police officers with the Uniformed Division are looking into a suspicious vehicle. The driver of the car has been detained and is being questioned. Various entrances and the streets are temporarily closed as teams conduct their work,' as shared by People.

'We will provide additional information once we get updated from officers later this morning,' the statement continued. In addition to the Metropolitan Police Department and the USSS, members of the National Guard also responded to the scene.

​As a precaution, multiple entrances to the White House and streets were temporarily closed while officials secured the area and carried out security and safety checks, with police tape, patrol cars, and officers from the USSS, Metropolitan Police, and National Guard controlling access.

​Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi told CBS News, 'Various entrances and the streets are temporarily closed as teams conduct their work.' Guglielmi also said, 'We will provide additional information once we get updated from officers later this morning.' Authorities reported no injuries from the early morning collision.

​Officials have not yet released the driver's identity or any details about a possible motive. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone who may have information to come forward as inquiries continue.

​This incident follows a similar event in October of last year, when authorities detained a man after he drove a vehicle into a security barrier near the presidential complex. The incident also prompted a swift response from the Secret Service and local law enforcement.

​These incidents highlight the ongoing importance of reinforced parameters and rapid-response protocols around one of the nation's most closely guarded locations.

Driver Identified, God Told Him To Do It

Court documents later revealed that Cavanaugh, who was identified through charging documents filed in D.C. Superior Court, told police he drove through the gate because 'God was telling him to do it,' adding that he was 'here to deliver a present to the President.' per Fox5 DC.

When asked why he rammed the gate, Cavanaugh said that if he mailed the present, 'we would destroy it,' according to the affidavit. Cavanaugh now faces charges including destruction of property and unlawful entry into restricted federal property related to the gate crash.

The case is set to proceed in D.C. Superior Court.