Sai Varshit Kandula, a 19 year old from Missouri, drove a truck into the White House fence and told officials he wanted to seize power and harm the president. NBC News cited the detainee’s statements in the associated criminal case records.
On May 22 Kandula departed for Washington after renting a U-Haul truck following his trip from St. Louis. Around 9:35 pm he drove along the sidewalk near the White House, collided with a metal fence, and then returned to strike the fence again before police detained him. No White House guards or staff were injured in the incident.
Kandula produced a swastika flag from his backpack and told law enforcement that the Nazis had a strong narrative. He described Adolf Hitler as an admired strong leader.
A suspicious package was found a block away from the White House shortly after Kandula was arrested. Guests were evacuated from a nearby hotel, and the package later proved safe.
Kill the President
Authorities say Kandula had carefully planned the attack for six months. His stated goal was to enter the White House, seize power, and take control of the nation. When asked how he would seize power, he indicated his intent to kill the president, according to the police report cited by CNN.
Kandula has appeared before the Washington Supreme Court, and a hearing is scheduled in federal court on May 24.
The driver of a van that struck the security fence in Lafayette Square near the White House on a recent Monday night was arrested on multiple charges, including threatening to kill or harm the president, the vice president, or any of their families, according to police reports cited by CNN.
Kandula faces additional charges that include assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless driving, damage to federal property, and trespassing.
Cute and calm
People who knew Kandula describe him as a calm and non confrontational individual. He was said to be gentle and composed, with acquaintances expressing surprise at his alleged actions. One former teammate recalled Kandula as sweet and steady, someone never expected to commit such an act, according to NBC News.
A classmate, Pranav Nagila, who cannot fully explain the behavior, remembered Kandula as distant rather than clearly hostile. Nagila, now a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, noted that Kandula did not seem openly antagonistic to others before the incident.
Biden at the White House
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated at a regular briefing that President Biden was present at the White House on the day the vehicle breached the fence. She confirmed that the President was in the residence the previous night as well and described the briefings given by the Secret Service and park service officials about the latest information at that time.
The President was informed about the incident the following morning. Jean-Pierre explained that representatives from the Secret Service and the park service provided the latest details available to them as the investigation progressed.