Indian American Gets 8 Year Sentence For Failed White House Attack

India- West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Sai Varshith Kandula, 20, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his attempted attack on the White House in 2023. The sentencing took place on January 17, following last year’s incident on May 22, in which Kandula attempted to overthrow the U.S. government and establish a dictatorship inspired by Nazi ideology.

Kandula, a lawful U.S. permanent resident born in Bengal, traveled from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington, D.C., on a one-way ticket. Upon arriving at Dulles International Airport, he rented a U-Haul truck and drove it to Lafayette Square, near the White House. At approximately 9:35 PM, he rammed the vehicle into metal barriers, sending pedestrians fleeing for safety. After reversing and striking the barriers again, he exited the vehicle, retrieved a Nazi flag from his backpack, and displayed it near the crash site.

Kandula was apprehended quickly by U.S. Park Police and the U.S. Secret Service. During interviews, he admitted his intention to overthrow the U.S. government and establish a dictatorship similar to Nazi Germany, with himself in charge. He also stated that he would have killed President Joe Biden if necessary to achieve his objective.

The Department of Justice said that Kandula had spent weeks planning the attack, including attempts to hire armed security guards and rent large vehicles. He even reached out to a Virginia-based security company for 25 armed guards and an armored convoy, but his efforts to rent commercial trucks and dump trucks were unsuccessful.

In addition to his eight-year prison sentence, Kandula was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term.

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