Armed Venezuelan Man Detained Near White House After Threatening Trump Assassination

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — An undocumented immigrant from Venezuela was detained within blocks of the White House on Thursday night after allegedly instructing Secret Service agents that he intended to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The suspect, identified as Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos, faces three counts of unlawfully transporting a firearm, three counts for carrying unregistered firearms, and three counts for possessing unregistered ammunition. His charges also include one count each for possession of certain dangerous weapons, carrying a pistol without a license, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft, and receiving stolen property, DHS stated in a Friday news release.

During his confrontation with law enforcement, Guanipa Chrinos allegedly claimed that voices in his head commanded him to travel to the capital to kill Mr. Trump. The Secret Service discovered that the vehicle he was operating had been reported stolen, and the suspect admitted that weapons were hidden inside.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle, uncovering three firearms, including a rifle, along with dozens of rounds of ammunition. The department released a photograph showing the seized items.

Secret Service Director Sean Curran issued a statement praising the agency’s personnel, saying, This is the latest example of Secret Service personnel relying on extensive training and experience to deescalate a volatile situation that posed an imminent threat to our protectees and other Americans.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin commented separately on the incident, stating, Thanks to our brave Secret Service officers, this illegal alien with three firearms in his vehicle was arrested near the White House before he could harm anyone.

DHS records indicate that the suspect entered the United States through Texas in March 2024 and was initially arrested by U.S. Border Patrol, though he was subsequently released. It was not immediately clear if he had retained legal counsel.

Mr. Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts throughout his political career, most notably a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, during his second presidential campaign in July 2024. In that incident, a sniper fired from the roof of a nearby building, killing one attendee and wounding Mr. Trump and two others.

In April, a separate security breach occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where a gunman entered while Mr. Trump and first lady Melania Trump were present. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene, and a Secret Service officer sustained injuries during the event.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)