A Missouri native named Sai Varshith Kandula, 19, is in custody after he “intentionally crashed” into a barricade near the White House.
While authorities didn’t recover any weapons or explosives, Kandula allegedly made threatening statements—and he was notably equipped with a Nazi flag within his rented truck.
It’s Noted President Joe Biden & VP Kamala Harris Weren’t “In Any Danger”
The incident went down just before 10 p.m. on Monday, according to TODAY.
Footage shows a U-Haul truck ramming into a barricade at Lafayette Square, just “a block away from the White House.”
No one was injured, and the driver was soon apprehended. Notably, a flag donning a swastika was recovered from the vehicle.
However, as the driver had no weapons or explosives, TODAY correspondent Ryan Nobles noted, “It doesn’t appear as though the president or his family was in any danger as a result of this incident.”
Check out the coverage of the incident below:Â
The Driver Is Accused Of “Intentionally” Driving Into The White House Barrier
The driver was soon taken into custody and identified as Sai Varshith Kandula. Ultimately, the United States Park Police hit him with several charges. These include assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, destruction of federal property, and trespassing.
Additionally, the Chesterfield, Missouri, native was handed a “threatening to kill /kidnap/ inflict harm on a president, vice president, or family member” charge. However, the specifics surrounding his alleged threats are currently unclear.
An investigation was swiftly launched, and Twitter updates were provided by Anthony Guglielmi—Chief of Communications for the Secret Service.
After sharing that the U-Haul had been “cleared,” Guglielmi shared, “The driver may have intentionally struck the security barriers.”
The truck has been deemed safe by @DCPoliceDept & preliminary investigation reveals the driver may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square. Charges will be filed by the United States Park Police with investigative support from the #SecretService.
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) May 23, 2023
There are no further updates at this time.
