A box truck driver has been charged with multiple charges, including threatening to kill, kidnap or harm the president in a crash near the White House late Monday, officials said.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a tweet Police in uniform detained the driver after the box truck crashed into a security fence on the north side of Lafayette Square, police said.
No injuries have been reported.
Guglielmi Added in a later post The truck was deemed safe and a preliminary investigation found the driver may have intentionally crashed into the fence.
The man was arrested on charges including killing, kidnapping, or threatening to harm the president, vice president, or their family members, according to the US Park Police. Attack with dangerous weapons. reckless driving; destruction of federal property; and trespassing.
Parks police identified the suspect as Sai Varsis Kandula, a 19-year-old from Chesterfield, Missouri.
Washington, DC-based CBS affiliate WUSA9, Investigators reported I found what looked like a Nazi flag in the truck.
According to CNNPark Police officers also found a backpack and a roll of duct tape while searching the truck.
Authorities blocked roads near the scene to investigate, and the Secret Service requested evacuation of the Hay-Adams Hotel, which adjoins Lafayette Square, CNN reported. Guests and employees were allowed to return immediately after authorities confirmed they were not in danger.
Washington Post reported by Washington’s fire and police departments were also dispatched to the scene.
Contributed by Associated Press.
Updated at 9:35am
Visit The Hill for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos.
First edition issued
