A man was arrested near the White House late Thursday night after Secret Service officers found three firearms and dozens of rounds of ammunition in his vehicle, authorities said.
Officials identified the suspect as 26-year-old Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos, a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally through Texas in March 2024. Chrinos allegedly told officers that voices in his head had instructed him to travel to Washington, D.C., and kill President Donald Trump, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The arrest occurred after Secret Service officers approached Chrinos, who was parked on Constitution Avenue near the White House complex. Officers reported that he was acting suspiciously, and a subsequent search revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen. The weapons included an AR-15-style rifle, a Mac-10 handgun, and a Glock 43X pistol, along with ammunition, DHS said.
Chrinos remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and faces multiple charges, including unlawful transportation of firearms, possession of unregistered weapons, theft, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Immigration officials have requested his transfer to their custody.
How the Arrest Unfolded
According to a court affidavit, officers approached Chrinos at approximately 11:42 p.m. Thursday after spotting him asleep in a parked blue Ford F-150. When questioned, Chrinos used Google Translate to tell officers he had weapons in the vehicle, stating through the app: “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.”
Officers then searched the vehicle and discovered the three firearms and ammunition. Chrinos later told investigators that the truck belonged to his employer, who had lent it to him. He also stated he had purchased the weapons about a month prior, according to the affidavit.
Legal Charges and Immigration Status
DHS confirmed that Chrinos entered the U.S. illegally in March 2024 and was previously arrested by Border Patrol agents upon crossing the southern border. He was released under the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policy, which has since been a subject of political debate.
The charges against Chrinos include:
- Three counts each of unlawful transportation of a firearm, carrying unregistered firearms, and carrying unregistered ammunition
- Possession of certain dangerous weapons
- Carrying a pistol without a license
- Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
- Theft and receiving stolen property
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer with the U.S. Marshals Service, requesting that Chrinos be held for possible transfer to immigration custody.
Response from Authorities
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised the Secret Service for preventing a potential threat, stating in a release: “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.”
The White House did not issue a separate statement, referring inquiries to DHS and the Secret Service.
Broader Context of Threats Against President Trump
The arrest is the latest in a series of incidents involving threats against President Trump and his family since he returned to office. Law enforcement agencies have made multiple arrests in connection with such threats, though specific details about the frequency or nature of these cases were not provided by DHS.
Chrinos’ case has drawn attention due to his alleged mental health claims and the timing of his arrest amid heightened political tensions. The incident has also reignited discussions about border security and immigration enforcement policies.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Chrinos has legal representation or additional details about his background beyond his immigration status.