NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C., January 17, 2025 – Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old man of Indian origin, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his attempt to attack the White House in May 2023. Kandula, who resides in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, carried out the act with the stated goal of overthrowing the U.S. government and establishing a dictatorship influenced by Nazi ideology.
On May 22, 2023, Kandula flew from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington, D.C., where he rented a U-Haul truck. He then drove the vehicle into security barriers near Lafayette Square, adjacent to the White House. The incident nearly injured two pedestrians but caused no fatalities. After crashing the truck, Kandula retrieved a Nazi flag from his backpack, symbolizing his extremist motivations. Authorities found no weapons in his possession at the time of the arrest.
The sentencing follows Kandula’s guilty plea to federal charges of destruction of government property and assault. In addition to his eight-year prison term, Kandula has been ordered to pay approximately $57,000 in restitution for the damages caused. Upon completing his sentence, he will face three years of supervised release.
