A Missouri man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for crashing a rental truck into barriers protecting the White House in an attack inspired by his fascination with Nazi ideology. The incident occurred on May 22, 2023, when the man, then 19 years old, drove a U-Haul box truck onto a sidewalk near Lafayette Square, north of the White House. Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash.
Prosecutors revealed that the man, identified as Kandula, expressed a desire to 'attack and destroy' the U.S. government, with intentions to establish a Nazi-style dictatorship. Following the crash, he retrieved a Nazi flag from his backpack.
During the sentencing, it was mentioned that Kandula suffers from schizophrenia and was overwhelmed by delusional thoughts, including a belief in a conspiracy involving a 'reptilian race' controlling the U.S. government. His defense attorney emphasized his client's need for treatment and acknowledged the role of mental illness in the incident.
The court sentenced Kandula to eight years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay nearly $57,000 in restitution. Prosecutors highlighted that Kandula had planned the attack for weeks, flying from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., just hours before the crash and renting the truck shortly before the incident.
Despite no weapons, ammunition, or explosives being found in his possession, prosecutors referenced a previous attempted assassination at a political rally to underscore the potential harm posed by individuals with destructive intent. Body camera footage from the police captured the aftermath of the crash, showing Kandula unfurling the Nazi flag.
Following his arrest, Kandula was diagnosed with schizophrenia by two psychologists, who attributed his illness to the offense. The defense attorney indicated that Kandula's conviction could lead to his deportation to India.
