A driver crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier near the White House on Monday night in what federal officials believe was an intentional act. A Nazi flag was found in the truck, according to video and a law enforcement source.
Sai Varshith Kandula, 19, of Chesterfield, Missouri, was arrested and charged, U.S. Park Police said.
The U-Haul truck rammed against barriers at the north side of Lafayette Square, near Black Lives Matter Plaza on 16th Street NW, just before 10 p.m. No Secret Service or White House personnel were hurt, a Secret Service spokesman said.
According to the initial investigation, Kandula intentionally crashed into the bollards around Lafayette Park, Park Police said in a statement.
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Kandula was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon; reckless operation of a motor vehicle; threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict harm on a president, vice president, or family member; destruction of federal property; and trespassing.
The Secret Service interviewed Kandula on Monday night, and the charge that he threatened to kill, kidnap or harm the president, vice president or a relative is related to his statements, a Secret Service spokesman told NBC News.
According to charging documents, Kandula stated his goal was to “get the White House, seize power, and be put in charge of the nation.” Asked how, Kandula stated he would “kill the president if that’s what I have to do and would hurt anyone that would stand in my way.”
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Kandula flew into Dulles International Airport Monday, rented the truck and drove straight to the White House, according to charging documents.
The truck crash sparked fear around the White House.
Benjamin Berger was visiting D.C. when he said he heard the crash and saw the truck ram into the barrier.
“I turn around and just see people running away from this U-Haul,” Berger told News4. “And then I thought he might have just crashed, or it might have been by accident, but then I saw the vehicle back up and hit it again. So I proceeded to run away as well.”
Investigators seized a red flag with a Nazi symbol, according to video and a law enforcement source. Kandula told agents he bought the flag because “Nazis have a great history,” charging documents say. He stated admiration for their "authoritarian nature, Eugenics and their one world order," and said he looks up to Hitler for his leadership.
A bomb squad responded, and a robot was used to open the U-Haul. After a search, the Secret Service said the truck was deemed safe.
It wasn't immediately clear where President Joe Biden was at the time of the crash, NBC News reported.
A law enforcement official told NBC News that no weapons or explosives were found in the truck.
Tire marks could be seen on a curb near a series of metal poles around Lafayette Park, which is part of President's Park and run by the Park Service.
Streets from 15th to 17th Streets NW, and H to K Streets NW, were shut down, blocking roadways and walkways.
D.C. Fire and EMS and the Metropolitan Police Department are assisting in the investigation.
A U-Haul spokesperson said Kandula paid for a one-day rental of a 26-foot U-Haul Monday evening in Herndon, Virginia, on a valid contract with proper identification.
"U-Haul has been in close contact with the FBI and Secret Service and is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure their investigative needs are met,” the spokesperson said in an email.
It wasn’t immediately clear if Kandula has a lawyer. He's expected to appear in federal court Wednesday afternoon.
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
