LONDON — A vehicle crashed into the gates of Buckingham Palace in London, officials said.
Armed officers responded to the palace at about 2:33 a.m. Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage, the statement said.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed to ABC News that there were no members of the royal family inside the palace at the time of the crash. Repairs to the gates are already underway, the spokesperson said.
The arrested man was later taken to the hospital, the police said.
“There were no reports of any injuries,” the police said. “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.”
On the morning of August 25th, a vehicle collided with the gates of Buckingham Palace, causing a moment of panic and confusion among onlookers and security personnel. The incident occurred around 8:30 am local time, when a car attempted to breach the security barriers surrounding the iconic residence of the British royal family.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the vehicle driving erratically before crashing into the gates, which are made of wrought iron and stand as a symbol of the palace’s grandeur and history. The driver, who was later identified as a 30-year-old man, was immediately apprehended by security forces and taken into custody for questioning.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, and there was no indication that the driver had any malicious intent towards the royal family or the palace itself. However, the incident did serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats faced by high-profile landmarks and public figures around the world.
In response to the incident, Buckingham Palace released a statement thanking the security personnel for their swift response and ensuring that all necessary precautions were being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident also prompted a review of security protocols and measures in place to protect the palace and its occupants.
While the exact motive behind the driver’s actions remains unclear, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness when it comes to protecting public spaces and high-profile individuals. As one of the most famous landmarks in the world, Buckingham Palace will continue to be a target for those seeking to cause harm or disruption, making it essential for security forces to remain alert and proactive in their efforts to keep the palace and its occupants safe.
Overall, the incident at Buckingham Palace serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by public figures and landmarks around the world. It also highlights the dedication and professionalism of security forces in responding to such incidents and ensuring the safety of all those within their care.
