Vehicle strikes White House barrier in downtown Washington

A passenger vehicle struck a security barrier near the White House on Friday afternoon, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

There were not immediate reports of injuries, and authorities could not immediately say if the incident was accidental or on purpose. They said the female driver was apprehended.

The strike occurred around 3:15 p.m. at 17th and E streets NW. The Secret Service said in a Tweet: 'The vehicle did not breach the security barrier of the White House complex.”

Authorities said that no law enforcement officers were injured and no shots were fired. Several streets around the White House were closed to pedestrians and traffic. Secret Service officers, some carrying long guns, cleared Lafayette Park and nearby streets.