Man who drove into barriers near White House reportedly admired Hitler, wanted to kill President Biden
05/24/2023 12:22 pm PDT
WASHINGTON (TCD) -- A 19-year-old Missouri man is under investigation after he drove into security barriers near the White House and threatened to kill President Joe Biden and other members of the government.
On Monday, May 22, at 9:40 p.m., U.S. Park Police and U.S. Secret Service responded to the 1600 block of H Street NW after receiving information that a truck had crashed into barriers at Lafayette Park, which is directly to the north of the White House. Police arrested Sai Kandula at the scene on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, threatening to kill/kidnap/inflict harm on a president, vice president, or family member, destruction of federal property, and trespassing.
According to Kandula’s criminal complaint, Kandula flew from St. Louis to Washington-Dulles Airport that evening and arrived at approximately 8 p.m. After landing, he rented a U-Haul box truck and drove to the White House. As he made it to Lafayette Square, he "drove onto the sidewalk, sending multiple pedestrians running from the scene."
He allegedly hit the barriers, drove in reverse, then accelerated again into them.
A U.S. Park Police officer reportedly witnessed the events and went to the truck to investigate. He saw the car was "smoking from the front hood and liquids were leaking from the vehicle’s undercarriage."
Kandula reportedly got out of the truck and unfurled a Nazi flag he had in a backpack. The officer told him to get down on the ground and he proceeded to search Kandula. The officer reportedly did not find any weapons or explosives, then took him into custody.
Kandula told Secret Service agents his entire plan was to "get to the White House, seize power, and be put in charge of the nation."
As to how he would be "put in charge of the nation," he said he would "kill the president if that’s what I have to do and would hurt anyone that would stand in my way."
Kandula reportedly planned the attack for six months.
Secret Service agents asked about the Nazi flag he carried out of the truck and Kandula allegedly said he bought it because "Nazis have a great history," including their "authoritarian nature, eugenics, and their one world order."
He reportedly said he admired Hitler because he "was a strong leader."
The damage to the barriers occurred on government property and will require an engineer inspection, repainting, and cleanup. The affidavit says Kandula’s acts "were calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion, or to retaliate against government conduct."
According to NBC News, President Biden was inside the White House meeting with Speaker Kevin McCarthy when the crash occurred, but no one was injured.
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