A security alert was triggered at the White House on Thursday afternoon, April 16, after a man attempted to breach the complex by scaling part of the perimeter.
According to the United States Secret Service, the suspect jumped over a construction bollard near the Treasury Building on the northeast side of the premises in an apparent attempt to gain access.
The individual was swiftly intercepted by security personnel and taken into custody within moments of the incident.
In a statement, Secret Service Communications Chief Anthony Guglielmi said officers confronted the man near a pedestrian gate, where a physical altercation occurred before he was subdued.
“One officer sustained a laceration during the encounter. Both the officer and the suspect were taken for medical evaluation for non-life-threatening injuries,” the statement said.
The incident occurred while U.S. President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House at the time.
The development comes days after the Secret Service disclosed it was investigating reports of gunfire near Lafayette Park, located opposite the White House. No injuries or suspects were identified following that incident.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the motive behind the attempted breach, but investigations are ongoing.