Who Is Ronny Guanipa Chrinos? Trump Threat Suspect Bought Guns Month Ago and Was Living in His Truck Before White House Arrest

A Venezuelan national arrested near the White House with three firearms allegedly told Secret Service officers that voices in his head had instructed him to travel to Washington, DC, and kill the President. Identified as 26-year-old Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos, the suspect reportedly told investigators that he had bought the weapons about a month before his arrest and had been living out of his truck.

Chrinos was arrested shortly before midnight on 5 November after a Secret Service officer spotted a blue Ford F-150 parked on Constitution Avenue. A search uncovered an AR-15-style rifle, a MAC-10 machine pistol, and a Glock 43X pistol, according to court documents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also reported that officers recovered dozens of rounds of ammunition. The vehicle was reported stolen, although Chrinos allegedly told investigators his employer had lent it to him.

Who Is Ronny Guanipa Chrinos?

Chrinos entered the U.S. through Texas in March 2024. U.S. Border Patrol apprehended him after his entry, but he was subsequently released.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer following his arrest near the White House. Further details about his personal background have not emerged publicly.

The Secret Service officer approached the Ford F-150 after noticing suspicious behaviour and found Chrinos asleep inside. When asked whether he was carrying weapons, Chrinos allegedly nodded and made a finger-gun gesture.

Officers then used Google Translate to communicate with him. According to the court affidavit, Chrinos explained: ‘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.’

What Charges Does Chrinos Face?

Chrinos faces charges relating to the unlawful transportation of firearms, carrying unregistered firearms and ammunition, possession of dangerous weapons, and carrying a pistol and rifle without the required licences. He also faces charges connected to the alleged unauthorised use of a motor vehicle, theft, and receiving stolen property.

He appeared in DC Superior Court on 6 November and was held without bond. A federal court review was scheduled, and DHS confirmed that he was in the custody of the US Marshals Service. The White House referred enquiries about the arrest to DHS and the Secret Service.