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A 20-year-old Indian national, Sai Varshith Kandula, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for attempting an attack on the White House in May 2023. The Department of Justice revealed that Kandula planned to overthrow the United States government and establish a dictatorship inspired by Nazi Germany, with himself at its helm.

 

The Incident

On May 22, 2023, Kandula arrived in Washington, D.C., with a well-planned but ultimately foiled strategy.

Travel and Preparations: Kandula flew from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington, D.C., landing at Dulles International Airport around 5:20 PM.

He rented a U-Haul truck at 6:30 PM, stopping for food and fuel before heading toward the White House area.

At 9:35 PM, Kandula deliberately rammed the truck into security barriers near the White House, located at the intersection of H Street and 16th Street. Witnesses reported panic as pedestrians fled the scene. After crashing into the barriers twice, the vehicle was disabled, emitting smoke and leaking fluids.

Emerging from the truck, Kandula retrieved a Nazi swastika flag from his backpack and began waving it. He was quickly apprehended by the U.S. Park Police and Secret Service officers without further incident.

 

Motivations and Intentions

According to court documents and the Department of Justice:

Kandula harbored aspirations of overthrowing the democratically elected government of the United States.

Inspired by Nazi ideology, he planned to replace the government with a dictatorship under his leadership.

He admitted during interrogations that he was willing to orchestrate the assassination of the U.S. President and others if necessary to achieve his goals.

 

Planning and Failed Preparations

Court records revealed that Kandula meticulously planned the attack for weeks:

On April 22, 2023, he attempted to hire 25 armed guards and an armored convoy from a Virginia-based security company, but his request was denied.

On May 4, 2023, Kandula tried renting large commercial vehicles, including dump trucks and tractor-trailers, from various companies, but he was unsuccessful.

Despite these setbacks, Kandula pressed on with his plan, ultimately renting the U-Haul truck used in the attack.

 

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Kandula was charged with damaging U.S. government property, a federal offense. He pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024.

District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich sentenced him to eight years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

The Department of Justice emphasized that Kandula’s actions were deliberate and calculated to intimidate and coerce the government. The court highlighted the premeditated nature of the attack, noting that Kandula's preparations, though largely unsuccessful, underscored his determination.

 

Impact and Damages

The attack caused $4,322 in damages, including:

Repairs to the security barriers.

Chemical cleanup and disposal of fluids leaking from the truck.

 

Broader Implications

This case underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist ideologies and the lengths to which individuals may go to act on such beliefs. It also highlights the critical role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in thwarting such plots and ensuring the safety of government institutions.

Kandula's sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in acts of terror and underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to addressing domestic and international threats.