A Venezuelan man armed with three firearms was arrested near the White House after allegedly telling Secret Service officers he had travelled to Washington to assassinate Donald Trump, US officials said.
Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos was detained on Thursday night on Constitution Avenue, close to the Ellipse, after officers became suspicious of his vehicle, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials said the suspect claimed he had heard voices in his head telling him to go to Washington DC and kill the president. Officers also discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen.
A search of the car found a rifle, two other firearms and dozens of rounds of ammunition, DHS said. The department released photographs showing the weapons and ammunition recovered.
Chrinos faces three counts each of unlawful transportation of a firearm, carrying unregistered firearms and carrying unregistered ammunition. He also faces single counts relating to possession of certain dangerous weapons, carrying a pistol without a licence, unauthorised use of a motor vehicle, theft and receiving stolen property.
Secret Service director Sean Curran said officers had relied on their training to bring the situation under control.
“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,” he said.
DHS said Chrinos entered the US through Texas in March 2024 and was arrested by US Border Patrol before later being released. It was not immediately clear whether he had a lawyer.
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.”
Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts since entering political life. In July 2024, a gunman opened fire from the roof of a nearby building during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one attendee and wounding Trump and two others.
In April, a gunman breached security during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel while Trump and first lady Melania Trump were attending. The suspect was arrested at the scene and a Secret Service officer was wounded.
