A Venezuelan man has been arrested near the White House after allegedly telling US Secret Service officers that voices in his head told him to kill Donald Trump. The suspect was discovered with multiple weapons in his vehicle on November 5.
Arrest on Constitution Avenue
The suspect was spotted acting suspiciously while parked in his vehicle on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. Officers approached him and upon being challenged, the man claimed he was hearing voices in his head instructing him to travel to Washington and murder President Trump.
Officers established that the vehicle had been reported stolen, with the suspect admitting to having weapons inside. After uncovering three firearms, including a rifle, along with dozens of rounds of ammunition, officers took the suspect into custody.
Suspect identified
The man has been identified as Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos. The USSS confirmed he is an illegal migrant from Venezuela who illegally entered the United States through Texas in March 2024.
Chrinos faces charges of carrying a rifle outside of a home or business, three counts of unlawful transportation of a firearm, three counts of unregistered firearms, three counts of unregistered ammunition, possession of certain dangerous weapons, carrying a pistol without a licence, unauthorised use of a motor vehicle, theft, and receiving stolen property.
Detainer and official response
Following his detention, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer for Chrinos with the US Marshals Service, where he currently remains in custody.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said: "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."
US Secret Service Director Sean Curran said: "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."
