U-Haul Driver Arrested after Crashing into Security Barrier near White House

On May 22nd, around 10. p.m, A U-Haul driver crashed into Lafayette Square, across the street from the white house, later identified as 19-year-old Sai Varshith Kandula.

Kandula appeared in DC Superior Court Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Park Police told CNN and was held in custody without bail. He has not entered a formal plea in federal court, and he is expected to have his case continued with an initial appearance on the single charge Wednesday, as well as a lawyer for him in that case that has not yet been publicly named.

According to U.S. Park Police, Kandula was arrested not only for crashing into the barrier, but as well as being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, threatening to kill/kidnap/inflict harm on a President/VP/family member, destruction of federal property, and trespassing.

A Nazi Swastika flag was retrieved from the vehicle, but there are no known ulterior

motives that relate to the flag.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi had said, “Preliminary investigation reveals the driver may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square.“  Also, Kandula made threatening comments towards the white house at the scene, including that he wanted to kidnap and harm President Joe Biden, law enforcement specials told CNN. One source stated that the mental health of Kandula could have played a part in this.

Furthermore, the vehicle was checked for bombs by Bomb technicians, but no explosives or incendiary devices were found on the truck.

The federal law enforcement officials searched for notes, computers, or any evidence of planning the crash, or a possible motive.

Interviews were done with anyone that knew Kandula in some way for more information.

Errion Barfield, a former classmate of Kandula in high school described him as a “good dude” who “never got in trouble” and “never made a scene in school.”