An incident unfolded last night at the White House when a 19-year-old teenager from Chesterfield, Missouri, crashed a U-Haul truck into the security barriers nearby, prompting his immediate arrest. Sai Varshith Kandula was apprehended at the scene after his vehicle collided with the barriers around 10 p.m. Before he was apprehended authorities said he unfurled a Nazi flag.
According to the New York Post, following his arrest, Kandula made alarming statements to the FBI, revealing his intentions to overthrow the government, assassinate President Biden, and assume power himself.
The charges levied against Kandula include the violation of 18 U.S. Code § 879, which pertains to threats against former Presidents and other individuals protected by the Secret Service. If convicted, Kandula may face a maximum prison sentence of up to five years. Law enforcement sources disclosed that Kandula had flown from St Louis, Missouri, to Dulles before renting the U-Haul truck.
President Biden was inside the White House during the incident, and it remains uncertain if he has been informed of the event. No one was harmed according to authorities, and Kandula was swiftly taken into custody.
In response to the situation, temporary closures were implemented for various roads and walkways surrounding Lafayette Square while authorities conducted an examination of the scene. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, The Hay Adams Hotel was evacuated.
In a statement, US Park Police said: ‘On May 22 at approximately 9:40 p.m, United States Park Police and United States Secret Service Uniform Division officers responded to the 1600 block of H Street NW for a truck that the preliminary investigation indicates intentionally crashed into the bollards on the outside of Lafayette Park.
‘The driver of the vehicle was identified as Sai Varshith Kandula, 19, of Chesterfield, Missouri. Kandula was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, threatening to kill/kidnap/inflict harm on a president, vice president, or family member, destruction of federal property, and trespassing.
‘No further information is available at this time. ‘
Chief of Communications for the United States Secret Service released a statement on Twitter:
