Rifle, 2 handguns and dozens of rounds found in stolen vehicle

Venezuelan national entered US illegally in 2024

US Secret Service warns of persistent armed threats near White House

The White House in Washington. [Getty Images]
The White House in Washington. [Getty Images]

A man was arrested near the White House in Washington after allegedly carrying firearms with the intent to kill President Donald Trump. A rifle, two handguns and dozens of rounds of ammunition were found in the vehicle the suspect had been in.

According to CNN on Friday (local time), the US Secret Service arrested Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chirinos, a Venezuelan national, on Thursday after agents observed the suspect behaving suspiciously in a vehicle parked near the White House. Chirinos faces charges including illegal possession of firearms and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

The vehicle Chirinos had been occupying was reported stolen. A search turned up one rifle, two handguns and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

Chirinos reportedly told investigators during the arrest that voices had commanded the killing of President Trump. Chirinos was quoted as saying the voices in his head told him to go to Washington, D.C., and kill the president.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Chirinos had entered the United States illegally in 2024.

US Secret Service Director Sean Curran expressed concern that security threats around the White House remain persistent. "This incident demonstrates not only the elevated threat level in the environment in which we operate, but also the fact that armed individuals continue to converge on the White House," Curran said.

The arrest has heightened concerns about security around the White House. Chirinos managed to approach the area while armed with firearms and ammunition, and a separate shooting had already occurred at a White House security checkpoint in May. The suspect's specific plans and the full extent of any attack intent are expected to be established through further investigation.

This is not the first time an armed individual has clashed with security forces near the White House. In May, a person with a history of mental health issues opened fire on Secret Service agents at a White House security checkpoint and was shot and killed at the scene.


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