In a shocking incident on Monday night, a U-Haul driver was arrested and charged with multiple crimes after crashing the truck into security barriers outside the White House.
19-year-old Sai Varshith Kandula is accused of seeking to harm the president, officials said Tuesday.
The charges against Kandula for allegedly “threatening to kill, kidnap, inflict harm on a president, vice president, or family member,” stem from statements he made to multiple law enforcement agencies, according to a Secret Service representative.
The suspect was interviewed by Secret Service investigators Monday night, the agency representative said, during the ongoing probe that also involves United States Park Police, the FBI and U.S. Capitol Police.
According to reports, the driver crashed the U-Haul approximately one block away from the White House at around 10 PM. In addition to the charge of threatening harm to a government official, the suspect also faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, destruction of federal property, and trespassing.
Authorities suspect that the driver intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square. The Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the crash was intentional.
Upon inspecting the U-Haul after the incident, investigators reportedly discovered a Nazi flag featuring a swastika. However, bomb technicians called to the scene found no explosives or incendiary devices inside the vehicle.
Witnesses at the scene described the alarming moments leading up to and following the crash. Benjamin Berger, who heard the initial impact and witnessed the suspect driving the U-Haul into the security barriers a second time, recounted the event to NBC. He mentioned seeing people running away from the U-Haul before it struck the barriers. Another witness captured a video of the incident and shared it on Twitter, expressing their decision to flee the area due to the unfolding events.
As a precautionary measure, the Secret Service evacuated nearby establishments, including the Hay-Adams Hotel, while they investigated the incident. The FBI’s National Capital Response Squad and the U.S. Park Police joined the investigation to ensure a thorough examination of the scene.
The incident at the White House highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in protecting public officials and government properties. The swift response from law enforcement agencies demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety of individuals and maintaining the integrity of government institutions.
As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge regarding the motives and intentions of the U-Haul driver. The incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance and dedication required to safeguard important landmarks and protect public figures in an increasingly complex security landscape.
Sai Varshith Kandula.Rockwood School District
That Catholic/NAZI/Hitlerite just wanted to visit his fellow Catholic/NAZI/Hitlerite/Communist Jokementia Bribery… and Hunter… and KamalToe… and all the others…
An Indian NAZI?
Are they aware that the ARYANs the NAZIs get all work-up about are NOT the dark colored ones.?
Once I think the right wingers reached the ultimate level of evil stupidity, they go and find a way to go even further in the moronic scale.
How do they know I didnt see any Government agency with any credibility in those doing the asking the questions Only one whose word i would not trust in court What did HE have to say
The guy knows Bidfuck is an idiot!