A driver peacefully surrendered after a two-hour standoff with police that began when he crashed into the steps of Los Angeles City Hall and barricaded himself inside the vehicle.
The crash was reported just after 4pm PST and resulted in evacuations of the area amid concerns of a security threat, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The driver reportedly intentionally crashed the car, a black Ford Focus, which led to a massive police presence and shutdowns in the area.
‘The driver, an adult male, refused to exit and comply with officers’ commands. SWAT was requested to establish comms,’ the LAPD said.
From inside the car, the driver spoke with police over the phone before he surrendered to officers with his hands up.
‘The driver was taken into custody without further incident. Streets in the area will remain closed until the vehicle is cleared,’ police added.
He was shown exiting the vehicle and walking down Spring Street with his hands over his head before two officers handcuffed him.
Firefighters then tended to the driver, who reportedly had an oxygen tank in the front seat of his vehicle.
A man crashed into Los Angeles City Hall on Friday evening just after 4pm PST, resulting in a massive police presence, evacuations, and road closures
The driver remained in the vehicle for two hours before he walked from the car with his hands up
Photos of the scene revealed handwritten cardboard signs inside the car’s windshield that read: ‘I need ur help D. Trump US Vet,’ and ‘Don’t Want To Hurt No Body’.
Authorities haven’t released the driver’s identity or the charges against him.
A witness told local Los Angeles outlet, KTLA, that during the standoff, the driver rolled up his windows whenever a police officer approached his vehicle and asked to speak with members of the public.
Mayor Karen Bass, who reportedly wasn’t at City Hall during the incident, released a statement on X notifying the public that the LAPD bomb squad responded to the scene to investigate the driver’s vehicle.
‘Thank you to all of the brave first responders who safely resolved this situation with compassion and urgency,’ Bass added.
She had previously released an additional statement during the active scene, stating that her office was monitoring the situation.
The California Highway Patrol sent units to close exits leading to the downtown area as the LAPD secured the scene.
The incident resulted in gridlock and traffic as locals were rerouted to avoid the area surrounding City Hall.
Mayor Karen Bass thanked law enforcement for their response to the incident, adding that a bomb squad was on the scene
The incident prompted massive road closures as authorities attempted to secure the scene. Locals were asked well into the evening on Friday to avoid the area out of an abundance of caution
Authorities evacuated staff at City Hall and shut down nearby roads to secure the area. The driver was taken into custody after a two-hour standoff
Staff at City Hall were evacuated, and streets around the nearby civic center were blocked off.
One local told KTLA that she was evacuated from her bus and had to find an alternative route during rush hour traffic.
There were no reported injuries from the incident. The LAPD Central Division shared on X that the area on Spring Street between Temple and 1st Street will remain closed until further notice.
Residents are encouraged to use alternative routes until further notice.
