The U.S. Secret Service took a man into custody near the White House after officers found multiple guns in a parked vehicle and heard him make threatening statements, officials said.
According to a Homeland Security statement, agents approached the man Thursday night after he was seen acting suspiciously close to the complex.
Authorities said the suspect claimed he heard voices instructing him to kill President Trump. He has been charged, and the investigation remains active.
Officials identified the man as a Venezuelan migrant who entered the United States illegally in March 2024, adding a political flashpoint to an already charged security story.
The White House tightened perimeter awareness as tourists and staff returned to normal weekend schedules around Lafayette Square.
Mental-health and immigration debates immediately collided in cable coverage, with both parties using the arrest to press preexisting arguments.
Secret Service leaders said the stop demonstrated the value of suspicious-activity protocols after a difficult political week.
Court records and further charging details are expected early next week.
