Sai Varshith Kandula, a Missouri man, pleaded guilty to crashing a U-Haul truck into metal barriers near the White House in connection with a bid to overthrow the government. He pleaded guilty to willful injury or depredation of property of the United States, an offense intended to promote a federal crime of terrorism. Prosecutors agreed to seek no more than eight years in prison for the crime, despite the maximum 10-year sentence. Kandula’s sentencing is scheduled for August 23, and he is likely to be deported upon completion of his sentence due to not being a U.S. citizen. His attorneys, who have raised concerns about his mental health, did not comment on the case.
Kandula, who has remained in prison since his arrest in May, drove a U-Haul truck onto the sidewalk near the White House on May 22, 2023, striking metal barriers intended to prevent vehicles from entering Lafayette Square. He then removed a swastika flag from a backpack before being detained by officers. During the incident, he mentioned his goal of getting into the White House, seizing power, and being put in charge of the nation. Kandula also made threatening statements, including the willingness to kill the President if necessary. He purchased the swastika flag online because he believed Nazis have a great history, according to court documents.
In the plea agreement, Kandula agreed to pay restitution costs of $52,405 for the damaged U-Haul truck, which was beyond repair, and associated towing costs. Additionally, damage to the metal barriers resulted in $4,322 in costs for the National Park Service. The plea documents did not specify his country of origin, but it was noted that Kandula had visited India multiple times, raising concerns about him being a flight risk. The guilty plea and conviction will likely result in his deportation once he completes his prison sentence. His attorneys have not commented on his mental health, which has been a subject of concern in the case.
The plea agreement indicates that Kandula’s actions were intended to promote a federal crime of terrorism, which could have increased his maximum sentence to 12-15 years in prison. However, prosecutors agreed to seek a maximum of eight years for the offense. Kandula’s guilty plea means he will likely face deportation after serving his sentence because of his non-U.S. citizenship. He has been in prison since his arrest last May and is scheduled for sentencing in August. His attorneys have not commented on his mental health, which has been a concern in the case.
In May 2023, Kandula, then 19, drove a U-Haul truck onto the sidewalk near the White House, striking metal barriers and removing a swastika flag from a backpack before being apprehended by officers. During the incident, he expressed a desire to get into the White House, seize power, and be in charge of the nation. Kandula also made threatening remarks, including a willingness to kill the President if necessary. The plea agreement requires him to pay restitution costs for the damaged U-Haul truck and metal barriers, totaling over $56,000. His attorneys did not comment on his mental health and his potential deportation following the completion of his prison sentence.
