Car crashes outside Taiwan leader's office

TAIPEI - A black sport utility vehicle (SUV) crashed into a security barrier outside the office building of Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou early on Monday, his office spokesperson Ma Wei-kuo said.

The 39-year-old driver, identified by the surname Lin, was taken away by police soon after the crash, which occurred at 6:42 a.m.

Though the SUV sustained damage, the driver was not injured.

The spokesperson said although the right of expression is to be respected, any type of violence should be condemned.

Ma said the SUV was stopped at the first barrier and the office building was not damaged thanks to tightened security after a serious security incident more than a year ago.

On Jan. 25, 2014, a 41-year-old man named Chang Te-cheng slammed a truck into the gate of the office building after passing through several barriers.