La Vergne Woman Had Pistol As She Crashed White House Barrier

WASHINGTON, DC -- The 35-year-old Rutherford County woman alleged to have crashed into a White House security barrier Friday was carrying a pistol and "continued to accelerate" after she hit the fence, District of Columbia Police said.

DC Police and the United States Secret Service said Jessica R. Ford, 35, hit the security barrier southeast of the White House Friday afternoon and when officers approached, the van's tires began smoking as she continue to press the gas pedal.

Officers saw Ford holding a gun when they arrived on the scene, though it was pointed in the opposite direction of officers. Though she refused to drop the weapon, officers were able to take it from her, pull her from the van via the window and handcuff her.

According to the incident report, Ford told officers she "had the BB Gun because if James Burris was the President, the officers would shoot her to protect him and that she knowingly brought the gun with her" for protection. It is not clear who James Burris is.

Ford attempted to climb the fence at the White House in April, May and July of 2017 and was ordered to stay away from the executive mansion by a DC judge.

She has Middle Tennessee arrests for DUI, prescription fraud and trespass.

In Friday's incident, Ford is charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unlicensed firearm or destructive device, aggravated assault of a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful entry, criminal contempt of court and two counts of destroying government property.

Photo via Rutherford County Sheriff's Office