In a concerning incident, a U-Haul truck crashed into security barriers surrounding Lafayette Square, located across the street from the White House. The Secret Service confirmed the incident and subsequent arrest of the driver on Monday night. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver intentionally struck the security barriers. The driver, identified as Sai Varshith Kandula, a 19-year-old resident of Chesterfield, Missouri, was found in possession of a Nazi flag.
Vehicle collision at Lafayette Square: Roadways and pedestrian walkways are closed as teams investigate. pic.twitter.com/4QqNyRoa0T
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) May 23, 2023
Following the arrest, U.S. Park Police formally charged Kandula with offenses including assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening harm to the President, Vice President, or their family members. During a hearing in D.C. Superior Court, it was determined that Kandula posed a flight risk and was considered a significant risk to the community.
The crash occurred shortly before 10 p.m., as confirmed by Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi via Twitter. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among Secret Service or White House personnel. The cause and circumstances of the crash are currently under investigation.
The truck has been deemed safe by @DCPoliceDept & preliminary investigation reveals the driver may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square. Charges will be filed by the United States Park Police with investigative support from the #SecretService.
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) May 23, 2023
Law enforcement officials conducted an inspection of the U-Haul truck at the scene. Subsequently, the vehicle was deemed safe by the D.C. police. Robots were employed to assist in determining the presence of any dangerous substances or objects within the truck.
According to a law enforcement source, the driver, a U.S. citizen, made threatening statements aimed at President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris upon entering Lafayette Square. However, no explosives or weapons were discovered in the vehicle.
The FBI is actively involved in the investigation, although the driver did not appear on any watch lists. Initial background checks indicate the absence of a significant criminal record.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the U-Haul truck seemed to be intentionally targeting the White House. WUSA-TV’s Troy Pope shared a photo on Twitter showing a Nazi flag that was apparently found in the truck.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies responsible for protecting the President and other high-ranking officials. Investigations into the motive and any potential accomplices involved in this incident are ongoing.
As the investigations continue, it is crucial to recognize the swift response and coordinated efforts of the Secret Service, U.S. Park Police, and other law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in the vicinity of Lafayette Square and the White House.