LA City Hall evacuated and LAPD bomb squad called after car rams into building
The collision happened just after 4pm local time on Friday on Spring Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspect is now in custody and the LAPD bomb squad is on the scene
Los Angeles City Hall was evacuated in a dramatic standoff after a car crashed into the front steps of the building, sparking a tense face-off between police and the suspect.
The incident occurred just after 4pm local time on Friday on Spring Street, as reported by the Los Angeles Police Department. A spokesperson for the LAPD informed The Mirror U.S. that there was a potential car fire at the scene and that the suspect had barricaded himself inside the vehicle, with officers attempting to establish contact with him as of 5 p.m. local time.
Around an hour ago Mayor Karen Bass wrote: "I’ve been briefed on the ongoing incident outside of City Hall, which is currently being evacuated out of an abundance of caution. I want to thank all first responders who are at the scene — my office will continue to monitor the situation."
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Within the last few minutes she share the following update on Facebook: "The suspect outside of City Hall is now in custody and the LAPD bomb squad is on the scene. Thank you to all of the brave first responders who safely resolved this situation with compassion and urgency."
The California Highway Patrol dispatched units to shut down the off-ramps leading to the area, reports the Mirror US.
Fox 11 reported that the suspect demanded a reporter with a camera be brought to the scene before he would exit the car. The identity of the suspect remains unknown at this time.
The LAPD stated it does not appear the suspect has any weapons or devices inside the vehicle.
Aerial images from the scene show the suspect displaying two handwritten signs on his dashboard, one reading "I need ur help D Trump, U.S. Vet." and the other stating, "Don't Want To Hurt No Body."
It appears that the driver is the only person in the car.
KTLA has reported that the man appears to be clutching what seems to be an oxygen tank. At the time of the crash, the area was deserted and no injuries have been reported so far.