SOUTHAVEN, Nov 1: A car crashed into the building where US President George Bush was attending a political rally on Saturday, briefly delaying the president’s departure.

The president was unhurt and later seen waving to reporters before boarding Air Force One.

White House spokesman Trent Duffy said no shots were fired and the incident was not close to the president or his car.

“There was a vehicle that did crash into the side of the building,” Mr Duffy said. “It wasn’t close at all.”

Police led a woman away after the crash, according to a television technician at the scene who had seen a film of the incident. A young boy and girl were also near the car, the technician said.

Security officials chased the car as it barrelled toward the building, witnesses said. Some security personnel were seen running with guns drawn toward the entrance of the arena where President Bush had given a speech. Others kept spectators and media away from the crash.

After several minutes, the president’s motorcade left the scene.—Reuters