Car Rams Into FBI Office Gate: What We Know About Atlanta Crash

A driver rammed into the front gate at the FBI's Atlanta headquarters on Monday afternoon.

Video from the scene showed a red SUV crumpled into the barrier with tactical vehicles surrounding the vehicle. The crash happened around noon.

FBI Atlanta confirmed that the suspect left the vehicle on foot and attempted to enter the facility once the vehicle stopped. An FBI statement released at 4:50 p.m. stated, "several of our special agents who were passing by apprehended the man after he exited his vehicle." The FBI said it is assessing state and federal charges for the suspect.

Video posted just before 4 p.m. by Atlanta's Fox 5 showed the SUV being towed away by officials.

The driver's name has not been released. Multiple news outlets are reporting that the suspect was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for evaluation.

At 4:35 p.m., DeKalb Police provided an updated statement:

"On April 1, 2024, DKPD responded to 3000 Flowers Drive at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Atlanta Office in reference to a vehicle striking a gate. After ongoing communication with our federal partners, DKPD is now working towards secure warrants for the subject."

In a televised press conference just before 4 p.m., Peter Ellis, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, confirmed that the driver attempted to follow an employee into the facility before crashing into the closing barricade.

In addition, Ellis said "he couldn't answer at this point" whether or not there is any indication of a terrorist attack.

In an emailed response to Newsweek at 3:50 p.m., FBI Atlanta said there is "no clear motive" for the crash.

In an earlier email to Newsweek, FBI Atlanta said: "We can confirm a person rammed into FBI Atlanta's front gate shortly after noon today. The suspect was taken into custody by Dekalb [sic] Police. There are no injuries and agents are checking the car as a precaution. We don't have any further information at this time."

Update 4/1/24, 5:53 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.

This is a developing news story and will be updated with additional information.

FBI Office in Atlanta
The FBI, American and Georgia flags fly outside the Atlanta FBI field office on February 1, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. A driver rammed into the front gate at the Atlanta headquarters on April 1, 2024. AFP/Getty Images

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