Driver surrenders after barricading himself in vehicle for two hours on Los Angeles City

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. 

The driver reportedly intentionally crashed the car, a black Ford Focus, which led to a massive police presence and shutdowns in the area. 

From inside the car, the driver spoke with police over the phone before he surrendered to officers with his hands up. He has been taken into custody. 

Authorities haven’t released the driver’s identity or the charges against him.  

Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement while the scene was active that she was aware of the incident and was monitoring the situation. 

‘I’ve been briefed on the ongoing incident outside of City Hall, which is currently being evacuated out of an abundance of caution,’ she wrote on X. 

‘I want to thank all first responders who are at the scene — my office will continue to monitor the situation’.

A message on a cardboard sign displayed inside the window of the vehicle referenced Donald Trump 

The driver remained in the vehicle for two hours before he walked from the car with his hands up 

Law enforcement was on the scene after the car crashed into Los Angeles City Hall 

Photos of the scene revealed a handwritten cardboard sign inside the car’s windshield that seemed to reference Donald Trump. 

The California Highway Patrol sent units to close exits leading to the downtown area as the LAPD secured the scene.