Prosecutors said that the man accused of driving a box-truck into barriers near White House to overthrow government had planned to deliver a speech declaring the end of U.S. Democracy.
Sai Varshith Kandula (19), a 19-year-old Chesterfield resident, Missouri suburb of St. Louis was held without bail until a Tuesday hearing. He was charged with depredation after the accident on May 22.
Investigators and prosecutors have said, however, that the more important matter is his alleged intent to seize the power and harm President if necessary.
In a memo filed by federal prosecutors on Friday, they argued that Kandula kept a journal in which he recorded a speech he would have given if he had taken control of the government following the crash.
The memo quotes from a journal passage, which was described by the defendant as a “greenbook” and describes a postdemocratic U.S. In prescribing historical change, he addresses “my fellow Americans”.
The memo states: “I am aware of the [unknown] that this country is a democratic nation. This will no longer the case.” There will be consequences if civil unrest occurs. To make clear That any opposition will be met by death penalty in order to make clear: (kill the president) As you’ve seen, we’ll declare martial law until the situation is [unknown]. We will rebuild the world.”
The defendant, who allegedly grabbed a Nazi banner from the cargo of the rented U-Haul before he got arrested, finished the passage by saying “Sieg hail”, echoing, but misspelling, the Nazi motto, which means “hail to victory.”
The crash occurred at 9:35 pm. No injuries were reported. Prosecutors said that the Ford commercial truck hit bollards near an entrance to Lafayette Square north of White House grounds. The driver backed up again and hit them, at which point the truck was apparently disabled, according to prosecutors.
Kandula informed Secret Service agents that he intended to seize the power and would murder President Joe Biden, if necessary. According to the memo, he praised Adolf Hitler for being a “strong” leader.
The memo included photos of the bollards that the vehicle had struck. They guard a path that leads to the White House in the distance.
The prosecution argues that Kandula poses a threat to the community, and is at risk of fleeing because he visited India several times. He is a permanent U.S. citizen and could be deported if convicted.
The government claimed that the attack was planned, and included travel from St. Louis to Washington as well as the rental of a box truck.
Kandula had not yet filed a defense response. Uncertain whether Kandula has legal representation. The office of the federal public defender in Washington didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.
According to the memo, Kandula continued to claim success even though he was denied his freedom. It said that he told Secret Service agents that he thought his writings were going to reach a larger audience.
The prosecutor quoted him saying “Either I get into the White House, or not, I received my message.”
Kandula had been scheduled to appear at the federal court in Washington, DC on Tuesday afternoon for an hearing regarding whether he should be kept behind bars until a possible trial.
