Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Jan 17: Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old Indian national, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting an attack on the White House on May 22, 2023. The US department of justice revealed that Kandula’s act was part of a plan to overthrow the American government and establish a dictatorship inspired by Nazi ideology.
Kandula, born in Chandanagar, India, and a lawful US resident with a green card, pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024, to willful injury or depredation of US property. In addition to his prison sentence, District Court Judge Dabney L Friedrich imposed three years of supervised release.
Details of the Incident
Kandula flew from St Louis, Missouri, to Washington, DC, on a one-way ticket, arriving at Dulles International Airport around 5:20 pm. By 6:30 pm, he had rented a truck, which he later used to crash into security barriers near the White House at 9:35 pm. The incident occurred at the intersection of H Street and 16th Street Northwest, sending pedestrians scrambling for safety.
After striking the barriers twice, the truck became disabled due to engine damage and fluid leaks. Kandula then exited the vehicle, retrieved a Nazi Swastika flag from his backpack, and brandished it before being arrested by US Park Police and Secret Service officers.
Intent and Planning
The department of justice disclosed that Kandula’s goal was to gain access to the White House and seize power, even admitting plans to kill the US. President if necessary. He intended to replace the democratically elected government with a Nazi-inspired dictatorship, placing himself in charge of the country.
Court documents revealed Kandula had been planning the attack for weeks. He made multiple attempts to secure large vehicles and armed security guards, including contacting security companies and trying to rent a tractor-trailer or dump truck. Despite these efforts, he ultimately resorted to using a rented truck.
Damage and Aftermath
The attack caused $4,322 in damage, including repairs to the White House security barriers and cleanup of fluids from the crashed vehicle. Kandula’s actions were described as a calculated effort to intimidate and coerce the government.
This case highlights the seriousness of threats against national security, with federal authorities emphasizing their commitment to protecting democratic institutions from extremist ideologies.