On Monday, a Missouri man named Sai Varshith Kandula from Chesterfield admitted guilt in a case involving a U-Haul truck that he crashed into metal barriers near the White House last year. Kandula claimed his actions were part of a plan to overthrow the government.
Kandula pleaded guilty to willfully damaging U.S. property. According to court documents, prosecutors indicated that the crime was intended to further federal terrorism, which could increase his potential sentence from 10 years to about 12 to 15 years. Nonetheless, they agreed to seek a maximum of eight years imprisonment.
His sentencing is scheduled for August 23.
Kandula's lawyers, who have expressed concerns about his mental health, did not provide a comment on Monday evening. The plea agreement noted that since Kandula is not a U.S. citizen, his guilty plea and conviction will likely result in deportation after he serves his sentence. Although the documents did not specify his nationality, prosecutors previously pointed out his frequent trips to India, suggesting he posed a flight risk.
Kandula has been incarcerated since his arrest in May of the previous year. The court documents state that on May 22, 2023, at the age of 19, Kandula drove a U-Haul truck onto the sidewalk and crashed into metal barriers near Lafayette Square, north of the White House, twice. Afterward, he retrieved a three-foot by five-foot swastika flag from his backpack before being detained by law enforcement officers.
In interviews with agents, Kandula expressed his desire to "enter the White House, seize control, and assume leadership of the nation." He also mentioned that he would "kill the President if necessary and harm anyone obstructing his path." Kandula admitted to purchasing the swastika flag online, claiming an admiration for the Nazis' historical significance.
The plea agreement includes a requirement for Kandula to pay $52,405 in restitution for the U-Haul truck, which was damaged beyond repair, along with related towing costs. He also agreed to pay $4,322 for the damage caused to the metal barriers owned by the National Park Service.