Video: Teen charged with threatening president's life; allegedly rammed U-Haul into barriers near White House



A man is in custody after crashing a U-Haul into a security barrier outside Lafayette Park near the White House Monday night, the Secret Service and United States Park Police reported.

United States Park Police identified Sai Varshith Kandula, 19, of Chesterfield, Missouri, as the driver of the vehicle.

Kandula was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon; reckless operation of a motor vehicle; threatening to kill, kidnap, or inflict harm on a president, vice president, or family member; destruction of federal property, and trespassing.

"Shortly before 10:00 p.m. Monday, Secret Service Uniformed Division officers detained the driver of a box truck after the vehicle collided with security barriers on the north side of Layfatette Square at 16th Street," Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement on Twitter.

"There were no injuries to any Secret Service or White House personnel and the cause and manner of the crash remain under investigation."

Roads and pedestrian walkways were closed as officials investigated.

Guglielmi later reported the D.C. police had deemed the U-Haul "safe."

"Preliminary investigation reveals the driver may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square. Charges will be filed by the United States Park Police with investigative support from the Secret Service."

The man, a U.S. citizen, allegedly made threatening statements aimed at President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, a law enforcement source told CBS News.

The same source also told the outlet Kandula did not show up on any watch lists, nor did he appear to have any significant record.

No explosives or weapons were found inside the truck, CBS News also reported.

A report from CNN affiliate WUSA says investigators "apparently found a Nazi flag with belongings inside the truck." Other items included what appeared to be a black backpack and a roll of duct tape.

\u201cNEW: Investigators pulled what appears to be a Nazi flag out of the U-Haul, but they haven't provided any further details.\n\nHere's what we know: https://t.co/cXt81Ji2NA\u201d
— Troy Pope (@Troy Pope) 1684810481

Below, watch Twitter user @Itzajobi's clip of the incident, verified by Reuters, showing the box truck crashing into the security bollards outside Layfette Park.

\u201c@OhMyGOFF @shomaristone @fox5dc @LokayFOX5 Happened to walk by right before it happened\u2026crazy\u201d
— angie goff (@angie goff) 1684809190

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Democrat who was assaulted in elevator says her 'morning coffee really saved the day'



Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota was assaulted in the elevator of her D.C. apartment building on Thursday.

Craig's chief of staff, Nick Coe, noted in a statement that the congresswoman had been "assaulted in the elevator of her apartment building in Washington DC" — Coe noted that she "defended herself from the attacker and suffered bruising, but is otherwise physically okay."

"Rep. Craig called 9-1-1 and the assailant fled the scene of the assault," Coe said. "There is no evidence that the incident was politically motivated."

\u201cStatement by Rep. Angie Craig's Chief of Staff:\u201d
— Angie Craig (@Angie Craig) 1675965203

Reports indicate that a police report about the incident notes that Craig said she threw hot coffee at the assailant. A suspect has been arrested and charged with simple assault.

"My morning coffee really saved the day yesterday, but not exactly how I expected it to. On a serious note, I will also say that I was very, very lucky that I was not more injured – and I'll have more to say about that soon," Craig said in a statement on Friday. "I wanted to let everyone know that the outpouring of support from friends, constituents and colleagues has been overwhelming. From myself, Cheryl and our entire family, thank you."

“I remain deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers for their quick response and subsequent arrest of a suspect last night," she said in the statement. "I feel very fortunate to have escaped following the attack and be home in Minnesota today recovering."

Craig has served in the House since 2019.

\u201cStatement from Rep. Angie Craig:\u201d
— Angie Craig (@Angie Craig) 1676064734

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