Indian-Origin Man Sentenced to 8 Years for White House Attack Attempt
Indian-Origin Man Sentenced to 8 Years
A 20-year-old Indian-origin man, Sai Varshith Kandula, was sentenced to eight years in prison on Thursday for attempting an attack on the White House on May 22, 2023. The purpose of the attack, according to court documents, was to overthrow the government and establish a Nazi dictatorship with himself as the leader.
Kandula, originally from Hyderabad, India, and a US permanent resident, pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024, to charges of intentionally damaging US property. In addition to his prison sentence, he was given three years of supervised release by District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich.
A Dangerous Objective
As per the plea agreement, Kandula admitted to planning the attack as part of a larger effort to overthrow the democratically elected government. He told investigators that he was prepared to assassinate the US President and other key officials if needed to achieve his goal. The plea document stated that his actions were designed to intimidate and influence the government’s operations.
Detailed Planning and Failed Attempts
Court records reveal that Kandula flew from St. Louis, Missouri, to Dulles International Airport on May 22, 2023. He then rented a truck and drove to Washington, DC, to execute his plan. His earlier attempts to secure vehicles and armed personnel included:
- April 22, 2023: Kandula contacted a Virginia security company to request 25 armed guards and an armored convoy.
- May 4, 2023: He reached out to several companies to rent a large commercial truck but failed.
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The Attack
Indian-Origin Man Sentenced to 8 Years
On the night of May 22, 2023, Kandula drove a rented truck into the barriers outside the White House near the President’s Park at around 9:35 PM. He rammed the truck twice into the metal barriers at the intersection of H Street Northwest and 16th Street Northwest. The incident caused pedestrians to flee as the truck’s engine began to emit smoke and leak fluids.
After crashing the truck, Kandula exited the vehicle carrying a red-and-white flag with a Nazi Swastika. He was promptly arrested by US Park Police and Secret Service officers.
Damages and Consequences
The US Department of Justice reported that Kandula’s actions caused $4,322 in damages. Repairs were required for the metal barriers, and additional cleanup was needed for the spillage caused by the crashed truck.
This case highlights the serious consequences of actions intended to harm public safety and government property.
Source: Department of Justice US