A Venezuelan national was arrested near the White House on Thursday night after authorities discovered three firearms, dozens of rounds of ammunition and a stolen vehicle during a security encounter. The suspect allegedly told officers that voices in his head had instructed him to travel to Washington, D.C., and kill US President Donald Trump, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The suspect, identified as Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos, was parked along Constitution Avenue when officers approached him after observing what authorities described as suspicious behaviour.
According to a DHS statement released on November 6, officers discovered a MAC-10 firearm, a Glock 43X pistol and an AR-15 rifle inside the vehicle, along with substantial quantities of ammunition. Authorities subsequently determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen.
The situation took a more serious turn when officers questioned Chrinos about his intentions.
“When they confronted the suspect, he said that he heard voices in his head telling him to come to Washington, D.C. and kill President Trump,” DHS said in its statement.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat, including whether the suspect had attempted to approach the White House or had made any specific preparations to target the president.
Chrinos has been charged with firearms-related and vehicle offenses and remains in the custody of the US Marshals Service, according to DHS. The department described him as an undocumented immigrant who entered the United States through Texas in March 2024.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the arrest demonstrated the importance of law enforcement vigilance and the rapid response of officers responsible for protecting national leaders.
“Our officers arrested this individual before he could harm anyone,” Mullin said in the statement.
US Secret Service Director Sean Curran also praised the officers involved, highlighting their training and ability to manage a potentially dangerous encounter without further escalation.
“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,” Curran said.
The arrest comes amid heightened attention to presidential security following multiple threats and assassination attempts targeting Trump during his political campaigns and presidency.
In July 2024, Trump survived an assassination attempt during an election campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman opened fire from a rooftop near the campaign event, striking Trump in the ear, killing one attendee and critically injuring two other people.
The attacker was subsequently shot and killed by law enforcement officers.
The Butler shooting exposed significant security failures and prompted investigations into the Secret Service’s protection arrangements. It also intensified scrutiny of security measures surrounding Trump’s public appearances and political activities.
The latest incident near the White House is likely to renew questions about potential threats against the president and the challenges facing federal agencies tasked with protecting senior government officials.
The White House and the Secret Service have not publicly released additional operational details about the latest arrest beyond the DHS statement.
Authorities have also not disclosed whether investigators believe Chrinos acted alone, whether he had any established connections to other individuals or groups, or whether additional charges could follow as the investigation proceeds.
