Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Crashing Truck with Nazi Paraphernalia into White House Security Barriers
A Missouri man who crashed a box truck carrying Nazi paraphernalia into White House security barriers last year has agreed to plead guilty to damaging property. Sai Varshith Kandula, now facing up to 10 years in prison, caused over $4,300 in damage to National Park Service property during the incident.
Mr. Kandula, a 19-year-old lawful permanent resident from India, admitted to plotting the attack for weeks with the intention of seizing political power and establishing a Nazi-inspired dictatorship. He even expressed willingness to kill the president and harm anyone in his way.
On May 22, 2023, Mr. Kandula flew from St. Louis to Washington Dulles International Airport, rented a box truck, and drove it into metal bollards near Lafayette Square, in front of the White House. After crashing into the barriers twice, he removed Nazi flags from the truck.
Prior to the incident, Mr. Kandula attempted to acquire armed guards and an armored convoy to assist with the attack but was unsuccessful. Despite having no prior criminal record, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia while in jail.
In addition to the prison term, Mr. Kandula agreed to pay over $52,000 to U-Haul for damage to the truck and may face deportation upon completion of his sentence. The fortified area in front of the White House where the incident occurred has been strengthened in recent years following previous security breaches.
