Sai Varisht Kundola, an Indian-origin man who rammed a truck into White House security barriers, was sentenced to eight years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
The attack was part of a failed plot to overthrow the U.S. government and establish a Nazi-inspired dictatorship, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Prosecutors revealed that Kundola, who had been planning the attack for weeks, was motivated by a fascination with Nazi ideology. He sought to “eliminate the democratic process” and replace the American government with a totalitarian regime.
Court documents further revealed that Kundola repeatedly attempted to secure vehicles and armed guards before finally renting a truck in Washington, DC.
On May 22, 2023, Kundola drove the truck into the White House, crashing into security barriers around the President’s Park. After briefly reversing, he attempted to pass through the barriers again, causing panic among pedestrians.
The truck caught fire and Kundola was seen waving a flag with a Nazi swastika before being apprehended by U.S. Park Police and Secret Service agents.
During the investigation, Kundola admitted to intentionally damaging U.S. government property and said he would have been willing to kill President Biden or other officials if necessary to achieve his goal.
Kundola, a legal permanent resident of the United States born in Chandernagore, India, pleaded guilty to property damage charges.
His attorney, Scott Rosenblum, argued that Kundola suffered from schizophrenia and delusional thoughts, including a belief in a “reptilian race” controlling the U.S. government.
Despite this, prosecutors recommended an eight-year prison sentence, citing the significant threat his actions posed to national security. In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Dabney Friedrich ordered Kundola to pay nearly $57,000 in restitution.
