19-year-old driver accused of trying to crash through barriers outside White House

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The man who tried to crash through barriers near the White House has now been identified as 19-year-old Sai Varshith Kandula of Chesterfield, Missouri. He’s charged with threatening to kill, kidnap, or inflict harm on the president, vice president, or family member.

“Clearly, the president was here yesterday working at the White House. So, of course, he was here last night. But I can tell you that he was briefed by both the relevant prevalent agencies, if you will, law enforcement agencies who had to deal with the situation. And he’s very thankful for to them for their quick response on this particular issue,” said Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary.

The United States Park Police and United States Secret Service Uniform Division officers responded to the scene around 9:40 p.m. at the 1600 block of H Street NW. That address marks the entrance to Lafayette Park, which lies just a block from the White House gates. On Tuesday, Park Police were back at the scene investigating the damage left behind to the bollards struck by the truck.

Kandula has also been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, destruction of federal property, and trespassing.

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