Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old Indian national, was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to crash a rented truck into the White House in May 2023. According to the Department of Justice, Kandula's plot involved overthrowing the U.S. government and establishing a dictatorship influenced by Nazi ideology.

Who is Sai Varshith Kandula?

Kandula was a lawful U.S. resident who held a green card. He was born in Chandanagar, India, and lived in St. Louis, Missouri. On May 22, 2023, he boarded a flight from St. Louis to Washington D.C. on a one-way ticket, rented a truck, and attempted to drive to the White House. He crashed the truck into barriers near the President’s Park, trying twice to break through before his vehicle was disabled.

What happened during the attack?

At around 9:35 PM, Kandula arrived at the White House and began driving onto the sidewalk, causing panic to people around. After crashing into the barriers, he emerged from the truck holding a Nazi flag, from his backpack. Officers quickly arrested him at the scene.

What was Kandula planning?

Court documents indicate that Kandula wanted to overthrow the U.S. government, replacing it with a dictatorship that would be very much like Nazi Germany, with himself as the leader. He admitted that he planned the assassination of the U.S. President and other officials if need be. His actions, which caused over $4,000 in damage, were intended to intimidate the government.

How did he prepare for the attack?

Kandula had planned the attack for weeks. He attempted to hire armed security guards and rent large trucks but was unable to do so. He still continued and carried out the attack with a rented truck.

Kandula will serve three years of supervised release along with a jail term of eight years.Â