DHS reports arrest involving weapons near the White House

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that the Secret Service detained a Venezuelan national near the White House after finding weapons in the car he occupied. The agency identified him as Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos and said the encounter occurred Thursday night on Constitution Avenue in Washington.

The DHS statement says agents decided to approach the parked vehicle after considering the occupant's behavior suspicious. During that contact, Guanipa Chrinos reportedly acknowledged that weapons were inside the car and said voices had ordered him to travel to Washington to kill President Donald Trump. The department also said agents determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen.

Agents inspecting the vehicle found three weapons, according to the DHS account: a Glock 43X, a MAC-10 and an AR-15-style rifle. They also found dozens of rounds of ammunition. The federal department reported three charges of unlawfully transporting firearms, three charges involving unregistered weapons and another three involving unregistered ammunition.

The list of allegations released by DHS also includes carrying a rifle outside a home or place of business, possession of dangerous weapons and carrying a handgun without a license. It further includes allegations of unauthorized use of a vehicle, theft and receiving stolen property. These charges remain subject to judicial resolution and do not constitute convictions of Guanipa Chrinos.

After the arrest, the U.S. Marshals Service took custody of him, DHS said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement filed an immigration detainer with that agency. As background, Homeland Security alleged that Guanipa Chrinos entered the country irregularly through Texas in March 2024. According to the department, Border Patrol arrested him at the time and he was later released during the Biden administration.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised the agents and said their actions prevented the suspect from causing harm. He also recognized Secret Service Director Sean Curran and the personnel responsible for protecting U.S. leaders. Curran, for his part, warned of an increase in threats and armed individuals around the presidential complex.