Chrinos faces nine counts after Secret Service intercepts him near White House

The White House complex has seen a rise in armed individuals approaching the perimeter in recent months. On Thursday evening, one such incident led to the arrest of a Venezuelan national who admitted to hearing voices directing him to kill President Donald Trump.

Department of Homeland Security officials stated that Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos was observed acting suspiciously in a parked car near the residence. The vehicle had been reported stolen. Chrinos admitted to possessing weapons when officers approached his car. A search of the vehicle yielded three guns and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

Chrinos entered the United States illegally in 2024. He was previously stopped by U.S. Border Patrol and released. Following his detention in Washington on Thursday, U.S. Marshals Service officials placed an immigration detainer on him. He faces nine charges, including carrying a rifle outside a home or business and unlawful transportation of firearms. Three counts were filed for unregistered firearms and three for unregistered ammunition. Additional charges include possession of dangerous weapons, carrying a pistol without a license, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft, and receiving stolen property.

U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran addressed the incident in a written statement. He noted that the event reflects a heightened threat environment. Curran said his agency remains confident in its tactics despite being alarmed by the continued increase in threat cases. He added that personnel are trained to respond to such situations.

Chrinos is currently in custody under the immigration detainer. The stolen car and the three firearms were seized by law enforcement. No further details regarding his immigration status or potential deportation timeline were provided by federal officials at the time of filing.