According to a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the suspect was identified as Venezuelan national Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos, who allegedly had multiple firearms in his vehicle.

On Thursday evening, November 5, Secret Service officers approached Chrinos after noticing suspicious behaviour while he was parked on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.

During questioning, Chrinos reportedly told the officers that he had heard voices in his head instructing him to travel to Washington, D.C., and kill President Trump.

The officers subsequently discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen. Chrinos also admitted to having weapons inside the vehicle, according to the DHS statement.

A search of the vehicle uncovered three firearms, including a rifle, along with dozens of rounds of ammunition. The officers then arrested the suspect.

Chrinos faces multiple charges, including carrying a rifle outside a home or business, three counts of unlawful transportation of a firearm, three counts of possessing unregistered firearms, three counts of possessing unregistered ammunition, possession of certain dangerous weapons, carrying a pistol without a licence, unauthorised use of a motor vehicle, theft and receiving stolen property.

Following his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer against Chrinos with the U.S. Marshals Service, where he remains in custody.

“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,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said.

Mullin also described Chrinos as an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who had allegedly threatened the President and said he had no business being in the United States.

“This is just an example of the incredible work done by the men and women of the Secret Service every single day as they put their lives on the line to protect our nation’s leaders,” Mullin said.

He added that it was an honour to work alongside Secret Service Director Sean Curran and the agency’s personnel.