A man from Missouri has been given an eight-year prison sentence for crashing a rental truck into barriers near the White House, an act influenced by his interest in Nazi ideology. According to court documents, Sai Varshith Kandula, who was 19 at the time of the incident, maneuvered a U-Haul truck onto a sidewalk, almost hitting two individuals before colliding with bollards designed to prevent vehicle access to Lafayette Square, situated just north of the White House. After the May 22, 2023, incident, he was seen retrieving a Nazi flag from a backpack, although fortunately, no injuries were reported from the crash.
Prosecutors contended that Kandula aimed to “attack and destroy” the U.S. government, expressing a desire to dismantle the democratic system in favor of a Nazi-style dictatorship. U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich not only imposed the eight-year prison term but also mandated three years of supervised release following his time in custody. Additionally, Kandula was ordered to pay nearly $57,000 in restitution as part of his sentence.
Kandula’s defense attorney, Scott Rosenblum, argued that his client was struggling with schizophrenia and was suffering from delusions, including a belief in a “reptilian race” controlling the U.S. Rosenblum stated that Kandula is open to treatment, understands its importance, and recognizes that his mental illness was a significant factor leading to his current situation.
Prosecutors had recommended the eight-year sentence as Kandula pleaded guilty in May to a charge related to property damage. He has been held in custody since his arrest. Evidence revealed that Kandula had been planning the attack for weeks before flying from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., shortly before the collision occurred. He rented the truck in Herndon, Virginia, a mere three hours before the event.
After striking the bollards a second time, the truck began to smoke and leak fluids. Authorities did not discover any weapons or explosives in Kandula’s possession. However, they noted a pattern of escalating threats against political figures in the U.S., referencing a previous assassination attempt against President-elect Donald Trump, underscoring the dangers posed by individuals with such malevolent intentions.
Body camera footage from police captured the scene following the crash. During questioning, Kandula revealed that he had purchased the swastika flag after expressing admiration for Nazi history. Prosecutors highlighted that he praised Adolf Hitler and that upon disabling his truck, his first action was to unfurl the Nazi flag.
Following his arrest, two psychologists evaluated Kandula and diagnosed him with schizophrenia. Rosenblum noted that both specialists believed his mental condition directly contributed to his actions leading to the charges. The lawyer also mentioned that Kandula’s conviction might lead to his deportation back to India.
