A Venezuelan national was taken into custody after law enforcement discovered him parked near the White House in a stolen vehicle carrying an array of firearms and ammunition. The incident unfolded late at night, prompting federal authorities to file multiple charges against the suspect, who allegedly made threats against the commander-in-chief.
Late-Night Patrol Leads to White House Arrest
The security incident began shortly before midnight on Thursday when a Secret Service officer on patrol noticed a suspicious vehicle parked on Constitution Avenue, situated near the White House complex. According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in D.C. Superior Court, the officer approached the blue Ford F-150 to check on the driver and inquire whether he was carrying any weapons.
The driver, identified as Ronny Guanipa-Chrinos, allegedly shook his head yes in response and made a finger gun gesture. Once he exited the vehicle, investigators noted that he communicated through Google Translate, stating, "I have the gun because they tried to kill me with it, and I had to take it away from them; it's in the brown bag."
Firearms Recovered from Stolen Vehicle
Upon searching the vehicle, which had previously been reported stolen, law enforcement officers recovered a significant cache of weaponry. The seized items included:
- A MAC-10 machine pistol
- A Glock 43x pistol
- An AR-15 rifle
- Dozens of rounds of ammunition
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Guanipa-Chrinos allegedly threatened to kill President Donald Trump. DHS officials stated that the suspect told officers he heard voices in his head directing him to travel to Washington, D.C., and target the president, though those specific remarks were not detailed in the court affidavit.
Court Appearance and Immigration Status
Following his apprehension, Guanipa-Chrinos faced an initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court on Friday. Online court records indicate that he remains held without bond.
Federal authorities have confirmed details regarding the suspect's background and legal status in the United States. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Guanipa-Chrinos is undocumented and originally entered the country through Texas in 2024.
He currently faces several serious criminal counts, including unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, carrying a pistol without a license, carrying a rifle without a license, and additional firearms violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested near the White House?
Ronny Guanipa-Chrinos, a Venezuelan national who is undocumented and entered the U.S. through Texas in 2024, was arrested by authorities.
What weapons were found in the vehicle?
Investigators recovered a MAC-10 machine pistol, a Glock 43x pistol, an AR-15 rifle, and dozens of rounds of ammunition inside the stolen Ford F-150.
What charges does the suspect face?
He has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, carrying a pistol without a license, carrying a rifle without a license, and other firearms charges.