January 16, 2025

Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for attempting to attack the White House with a rented box truck on May 22, 2023. His plan aimed to overthrow the U.S. government and establish a dictatorship inspired by Nazi ideology.

The Planned Attack

Kandula flew from St. Louis to Dulles International Airport, arriving on the evening of May 22, 2023. He then rented a U-Haul truck in Herndon, Virginia, and drove it to Lafayette Square, near the White House. At approximately 9:35 p.m., he intentionally crashed the truck into security barriers at the north side of Lafayette Square. After the collision, Kandula exited the vehicle and unfurled a Nazi flag, which was later recovered by law enforcement at the scene.

Upon arrest, Kandula expressed admiration for Nazi ideology, particularly its authoritarian aspects, and stated his intent to "seize power" and "kill the President" if necessary. He had been planning the attack for six months, with the goal of overthrowing the government and replacing it with a Nazi-style regime.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Kandula pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024, to a charge of willful injury or depredation of U.S. property. In addition to the eight-year prison sentence, he was ordered to pay nearly $57,000 in restitution and will undergo three years of supervised release following his incarceration. Given his status as a green card holder, Kandula faces potential deportation to India upon completion of his sentence.

Official Statements

U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves emphasized the severity of Kandula's actions, stating that the sentence reflects the gravity of attempting to violently overthrow the government. He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in preventing the attack and ensuring public safety.

Special Agent in Charge William McCool of the U.S. Secret Service's Washington Field Office commended the swift response of law enforcement personnel, noting that their actions prevented potential harm and upheld the safety of the nation's leaders.

This case underscores the ongoing commitment of federal and local authorities to protect the nation's institutions and respond decisively to threats against the government.