Suspect Detained After Truck Crashes Near White House

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • Sai Varsith Kandula, a 19-year-old from Chesterfield, Mo. who allegedly repeatedly crashed his truck into security barriers in Lafayette Square near the White House, has been charged with multiple crimes, including threatening to kill or harm the US president.1
  • Kandula’s U-Haul truck crashed just before 10 pm on Monday. The Secret Service reported no injuries to its members or any White House personnel.2
  • It also said it had interviewed Kandula — who was also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and trespassing — on Monday, as part of an investigation that includes the US Park Police, FBI, and US Capitol Police.3
  • Images and videos showed police recovering a flag with a large swastika among other evidence from inside the truck, while a Secret Service spokesperson said the driver may have struck the barriers “intentionally.”4
  • During their search of the truck, authorities closed nearby roads and evacuated the nearby Hay-Adams Hotel.5

Sources: 1Guardian, 2CBS, 3NBC, 4Independent, and 5The Hill.

Narratives

  • Right narrative, as provided by FOX News. It’s unfortunate that these types of incidents happen, but the White House remains among the safest places on Earth. Security features and armed personnel are more than enough to keep intruders out and keep the president and other officials safe. Despite this latest development, there is no cause for concern
  • Left narrative, as provided by New York Times. This crash continues a troubling trend of people attempting to breach security around Capitol Hill, including one incident that killed a Capitol police officer. The Secret Service is trying to better fortify the White House and other important buildings, but it doesn't address the root cause of these attacks — far-right political rhetoric. More must be done to quash extremist speech to prevent the radicalization of these kinds of assailants.