A U.S. Secret Service vehicle caught fire near the White House on Monday, Sept. 29, shortly before President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the West Wing, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at the intersection of 18th St. NW and Pennsylvania Avenue just before 10 a.m. local time, a Secret Service spokesperson told PEOPLE.
“After an investigation by the Office of the DC Fire Marshall, it was determined that the fire was caused by an electrical issue,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“We are grateful that no personnel were injured and we appreciate the response from DC Fire and EMS, who assisted in extinguishing the fire. There were no impacts to our protective operations.”
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the SUV, with several images of the scene posted on social media.
The fire broke out on a significant day for the agency, as Trump hosted his fourth meeting this year with Netanyahu to discuss efforts toward ending the war in Gaza. The talks are considered politically sensitive, as the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest — one that the Trump administration has declined to enforce.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold a joint press conference at 1:15 p.m. local time.
Netanyahu was also the first world leader to visit Trump at the White House after he began his second term on Jan. 20. According to The New York Times, Monday’s discussions are expected to focus on post-war governance in Gaza.
