On January 16, 2025, Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old Indian national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. His crime: attempting to attack the White House in May 2023 with a rented U-Haul truck, driven by a desire to overthrow the U.S. government and install a Nazi-inspired dictatorship with himself at the helm. This chilling plot, meticulously planned over several weeks, culminated in a dramatic crash into the security barriers protecting the presidential residence and the subsequent unfurling of a swastika flag.
Kandula’s journey to this act of domestic terrorism began with a one-way flight from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., on May 22, 2023. Upon arrival, he rented a U-Haul truck and drove directly to the White House. Just after 9:30 p.m., he steered the vehicle onto the sidewalk, scattering pedestrians before crashing into the protective barriers not once, but twice. The second impact disabled the truck, and as smoke billowed from the engine compartment, Kandula emerged, brandishing a large swastika flag. He was swiftly apprehended by U.S. Park Police and Secret Service officers, his audacious attempt to seize power thwarted.
Kandula’s actions were not impulsive but rather the culmination of weeks of preparation. His plot involved securing a large vehicle and armed security personnel to facilitate his takeover. He contacted a Virginia security company in April 2023, requesting 25 armed guards and an armored convoy. This request was denied. Undeterred, he persisted, reaching out to several other companies in early May, seeking to rent large commercial trucks, including tractor-trailers and dump trucks. These efforts underscore the calculated nature of his plan, highlighting his intent to use force and intimidation to achieve his political objectives.
His disturbing ideology and ultimate goal were revealed in his subsequent confession. Kandula admitted to investigators that he envisioned a Nazi-inspired dictatorship replacing the democratically elected government of the United States, with himself as its leader. He chillingly acknowledged that he was prepared to orchestrate the assassination of then-President Joe Biden and other officials to achieve this twisted ambition. His actions clearly demonstrated a profound disregard for democratic principles and a willingness to resort to violence to impose his extremist views.
The damage inflicted by Kandula’s attack extended beyond the symbolic. The crash caused over $4,300 in damage to National Park Service property, including the metal bollard barriers, necessitating repairs to restore their structural integrity and clean up the resulting oil and chemical spill. This physical damage, while significant, pales in comparison to the potential consequences had his plan succeeded. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals driven by extremist ideologies.
The successful apprehension and prosecution of Kandula resulted from the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service, FBI, U.S. Park Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Their swift response and thorough investigation prevented a potentially catastrophic event and brought Kandula to justice. His eight-year prison sentence reflects the gravity of his crime and sends a clear message that attempts to undermine democratic institutions through violence will be met with severe consequences. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing need to combat extremism in all its forms.
