An Indian-origin man, Sai Varshith Kandula, was sentenced to eight years in prison on January 16, 2025, for his attempted attack on the White House. The incident, which occurred on May 22, 2023, involved Kandula crashing a rented truck into barriers near the White House in a plot to overthrow the U.S. Department of Justice stated Kandula aimed to establish a Nazi-inspired dictatorship.
Details of the Attack
Kandula, a 20-year-old lawful U.S. resident with a green card, rented a truck after flying from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington, D.C. On the evening of May 22, 2023, he drove the vehicle into protective barriers at the White House’s perimeter. The attack took place at the intersection of H Street and 16th Street, NW, prompting nearby pedestrians to flee.
After crashing into the barriers twice, the truck became inoperable due to engine damage. Kandula exited the vehicle, retrieved a Nazi Swastika flag from his backpack, and displayed it before being arrested by U.S. Park Police and Secret Service officers.
Motivation Behind the Act
Court documents revealed that Kandula meticulously planned the attack over several weeks. His objective was to gain control of the U.S. government by overthrowing its democratic framework. Kandula admitted that he would have resorted to assassinating the U.S. President and other leaders if necessary to achieve his goal of establishing a Nazi-style dictatorship with himself in power.
Damage and Legal Proceedings
The attack caused $4,322 in damages, including repairs to the metal barriers and cleanup of chemical spills from the truck. Kandula pled guilty on May 13, 2024, to charges of willful injury or depredation of U.S. property. In addition to his prison term, he faces three years of supervised release as ordered by District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich.
Failed Preparations
Kandula’s preparation for the attack included multiple attempts to secure resources. On April 22, 2023, he sought 25 armed guards and an armored convoy from a Virginia security company, which denied his request. Similarly, he tried to rent large commercial vehicles such as dump trucks and tractor-trailers in early May 2023 but was unsuccessful.
Department of Justice Statement
The Department of Justice emphasized the calculated nature of Kandula’s actions, stating that they were intended to intimidate the government and disrupt its operations. FBI and law enforcement agencies underscored the seriousness of the plot and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the U.S. government from such threats.
Conclusion
Sai Varshith Kandula’s sentencing highlights the severe consequences of attempting to undermine democratic institutions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the continued efforts of law enforcement to safeguard national security.
