Police Monday night arrested a Missouri man they believe intentionally crashed a U-Haul rental truck into a security barrier across from the White House.
Secret Service said the incident happened near the north side of Lafayette Square park around 10pm ET. The arrested man was identified as a 19-year-old Sai Varshith Kandula from the St. Louis suburb of Chesterfield.
Video posted by a local TV station shows a police officer at the scene picking up several pieces of evidence—including a Nazi flag.
“It’s a U-Haul truck, coming on H Street, tried to run into the White House,” an eyewitness told WUSA-TV but police have not confirmed this claim.
Based on a preliminary investigation, investigators believe the driver “may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square,” said Secret Service chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi.
There were no injuries reported and authorities provided no additional details regarding a potential motive.
U.S. Park Police said the driver was arrested on multiple charges, including threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict harm on a president, vice president or member of their family; assault with a dangerous weapon; reckless driving; destruction of federal property; and trespassing.
