A Missouri man pleaded guilty Monday after his U-Haul truck crashed into metal barriers near the White House. overthrow the government.
Sai Varshit Kandula of Chesterfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty to willful injury or misappropriation of U.S. property, according to court documents.
According to the lawsuit, prosecutors said the offense of “intended to promote the federal crime of terrorism” could have increased the maximum 10-year prison sentence for the violation from about 12 to 15 years, but agreed to ask for more. eight years for the crime.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 23.
Kandula’s attorneys, who expressed concerns about her mental health, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.
Kandula admitted that she has since confessed he is not a US citizen, his guilty plea and conviction mean he could be deported after serving his sentence. The charging documents did not specify his country of origin, but prosecutors previously warned that Kandula was a flight risk because of his repeated trips to India.
He has been in custody since his arrest last May.
According to court documents, Kandula, then 19, drove a U-Haul truck onto the sidewalk on May 22, 2023, and twice struck metal barriers blocking the entrance of vehicles to Lafayette Square, north of the White House grounds. He then climbed into the back of the truck and removed a 3- to 5-foot-long flag with a swastika from his backpack before being detained by officers.
Kandula, who spoke to the agents after the incident “His goal is to enter the White House, seize power and lead the nation,” he said.
Kandula also stated that “If I had to do this, I would kill the President and hurt anyone who stood in my way,” and allegedly said that he bought the swastika flag online because the Nazis “have a big history.”
In the plea agreement, Kandula also agreed to pay restitution costs of $52,405 for the value of the U-Haul truck “damaged beyond repair” and related towing costs. Damage to the metal barriers cost the National Park Service $4,322.