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The US Secret Service said it is investigating an accident involving a U-Haul truck that “collided into security barriers on the north side of Lafayette Square at 16th Street,” Washington, D.C.
CNN
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The man accused of Crashing a U-Haul truck to a security barrier near the White House earlier this week will remain in custody before his detention hearing next week, a federal judge said Wednesday.
During Sai Varshith Kandula’s brief initial hearing in federal court on Wednesday, federal judge Robin Meriweather ordered the 19-year-old suspect to remain in custody until his detention hearing on May 30.
Kandula is not a US citizen or legal permanent resident, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors argued several reasons why Kandula should remain in custody, noting that he has no local ties to Washington, DC, and poses a serious risk that he could flee.
The truck, which was carrying a Nazi flag among other items, crashed into security barriers on the north side of Lafayette Square on 16th Street just before 10 p.m. ET Monday, the US Secret Service said. preliminary investigation revealed that the driver may have intentionally hit the barrier, the agency said later.
Kandula made threatening comments about the White House at the location, including that he wanted to kidnap and harm President Joe Biden, law enforcement sources told CNN.
On Wednesday, Kandula appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit. He spoke quietly as he told the judge her name and answered standard questions about her, but he didn’t say much about her during the hearing.
Diane Shrewsbury, his court-appointed attorney, told the judge that Kandula’s glasses were taken from him after the accident and he needed them back or he would need a new pair from the detention center where he is being held.
During the hearing, Meriweather informed Kandula that the charge he faces carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or a combination of both. It also carries a mandatory restitution payment.
Kandula has been charged with one count of depredation of United States property of more than $1,000.
This story has been updated with additional details.
