Indian-Origin Teen Who Crashed Vehicle Near White House Wanted To Kill Biden

A 19-year old man was arrested after driving a truck into barriers near the White House, officials have said.

The driver Sai Varshith Kandula made incriminating statements that suggested to investigators that he his intention was to harm US President Joe Biden, the police said.

The charges against Varshith Kandula include threatening to kill, kidnap, inflict harm on a President, Vice President or family members. The case was registered following his incriminating statements that he made to multiple law agencies.

President Biden was inside the White House at the time of the incident. He had just met with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and discussed the debt limit.

Biden was informed about the incident. "He's relieved that no one was injured last night and grateful to the agent and law enforcement officer who responded so quickly," Jean-Pierre said.

The suspect was interviewed by Secret Service investigators. The investigations also invalided the United States Park Police, FBI and US Capitol Police.

Sai Varshith Kandula was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and reckless operation of a motor vehicle and trespassing.

The preliminary probe suggested that the teen intentionally crashed the vehicle into the bollards. A Nazi flag was also seized by the authorities at the scene of the incident.

The truck however did not contain any weapons or explosives, the probe has also learnt.

Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service chief of communications, said in a statement, " there were no injuries to any Secret Service or White House personnel and the cause and manner of the crash remain under investigation."

The truck was later deemed safe as per preliminary investigations.