White House on Lockdown

The White House was placed on lockdown after a car crashed into a barrier near Lafayette Park. Video shows the driver jumping out and throwing punches at Secret Service and National Guard members before being taken down. In a separate incident, a man jumped over a security barrier and was arrested.

As reported by the New York Post:

A driver jumped a curb and plowed into an informational sign near the White House Monday morning — prompting police to make a dramatic arrest while the Secret Service imposed a brief lockdown around the executive mansion.

The sedan drove onto the sidewalk just north of Lafayette Park around 10 a.m., but did not get anywhere near the executive mansion’s gates more than a block away.

At almost the same time, a different man jumped over a security barrier about two blocks away and was arrested by the Secret Service.

It was not immediately clear what caused either incident or who the driver was. The Secret Service was not immediately aware of any connection.

Journalists were moved indoors, and portions of the White House were also evacuated as a precaution. As for President Trump, he is currently in Tampa and was not at the White House.

The Secret Service confirmed that the two incidents were not believed to be connected. Although some may have speculated that one incident could have been intended as a distraction for the other, officials had not reported any evidence supporting that theory.

Authorities also conducted a sweep of the vehicle, including an explosive ordnance disposal team, but no explosives had been found at the time of the initial reports.

Following recent attempts on the lives of President Trump and other members of his Administration, security threats are understandably taken seriously. These latest incidents come during an already tense period in Washington, not quite a week after the midterm election some have referred to as the “blue tsunami.” Regardless of one’s political views, protecting the President and those serving in government is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly.

Before the news of these two incidents broke, we had originally planned to discuss President Trump’s appearance on CBS’ 60 Minutes last night.

The interview, conducted by Ross Douthat, offered an interesting look at the President’s perspective following last week’s midterm elections. The conversation was respectful; both sides took a tactful tone, and the result was an insightful dialogue. Douthat asked legitimate, sometimes difficult questions without turning the exchange into a kind of confrontational spectacle, and I’d say the President responded in kind.

The President addressed several major issues, including immigration, Israel, the war in Iran, and potential changes within his Administration. He also acknowledged that his approach to immigration may have gone too far in some respects, suggesting that the aggressive nature of certain ICE operations may have upset voters on both sides of the political spectrum.

For President Trump, who can historically draw a hard line, that was an important admission, and to some might indicate a gentler course over the next two years.

At the same time, Trump’s reported decision to promote the controversial Stephen Miller – associated with the President’s more aggressive immigration policies – to White House Chief of Staff seems in contrast with Trump’s comments during the interview.

There was certainly some familiar political boasting about the Administration’s accomplishments, but the conversation went beyond the usual collection of campaign talking points. Douthat pressed the President on some uncomfortable subjects, and Trump was willing to engage.

At a moment when the Administration is facing significant political challenges, hearing the President explain how he views those challenges, and where he believes mistakes may have been made, offers a useful glimpse into what could come next.

Today’s Sekulow broadcast included more updates regarding the two incidents that took place at the White House this morning, as well as discussion of President Trump’s appearance on 60 Minutes. We were also joined by Special Presidential Envoy Ric Grenell to discuss the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Paris, and he offered his reactions to the President’s interview.

Watch the full broadcast below: