An Indian-origin teen, Sai Varshith Kandula (19), was arrested after he crashed a truck into the security barriers outside Lafayette Park in Washington DC. Police officials said that the suspect was threatening to kill President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
As per reports, Kandula told the Secret Service that his intention was to seize power, take over the government, and kill the president if needed.
The charges against Kandula include “threatening to kill, kidnap, or inflict harm on a president, vice president, or family member” on the basis of the statements he made to the law enforcers. Additionally, he has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and damage to US property.
A Reuters witness said investigators found a Nazi swastika flag that apparently came from inside the truck. Authorities say the driver may have "intentionally struck the security barriers."
Driver detained after truck crashes near White House: https://t.co/wnHe9MeFAZ pic.twitter.com/LEsBvc4Y0x
— Yahoo News (@YahooNews) May 23, 2023
There are also reports that officials recovered a Nazi flag inside the truck, which was later removed along with a black backpack and a roll of duct tape.
Kandula is originally from Chesterfield, Missouri. The suspect flew from Missouri to Dulles International Airport, rented a truck, and drove towards the White House.
The investigation into Kandula’s motives is still progressing and is expected to have more information in the coming days. The suspect appeared in a court in Washington on Tuesday but has not entered a plea.
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