In a statement released by the U.S. Secret Service, it has been reported that on the evening of the 22nd, at approximately 10 p.m., a truck driver crashed into a barrier near the north side of Lafayette Square. The driver has been identified as 19-year-old Sai Walhit Kandula from Chesterfield, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.
According to reports, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Two anonymous sources familiar with the matter have informed reporters that following the crash, Kandula, carrying a Nazi flag, exited the truck and began yelling as park police and Secret Service personnel approached him near Lafayette Square. The sources stated that during questioning by investigators, Kandula claimed that he intended to take over the government and wanted to kill President Biden.
According to U-Haul, Kandula rented a box truck in Herndon, Virginia, at around 6:30 p.m. in his own name, signing a valid contract.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver collided with the barrier at least twice.
The Secret Service stated that based on preliminary investigations, the driver “may have intentionally struck the security barrier at Lafayette Square.” Authorities did not provide further details regarding the potential motive.
The United States Park Police announced that Kandula has been arrested on multiple charges, including threatening to kill, kidnap, or inflict harm upon the President, Vice President, or their families; using a dangerous weapon to assault; reckless driving; destruction of federal property; and unlawful entry.
