Guns found after man arrested near white house told secret service he planned to kill trump, dhs says
Officers approach suspicious vehicle
Secret Service officers saw the man behaving suspiciously while in a vehicle parked on Constitution Avenue, DHS said. They approached him Thursday night, within blocks of the White House.
A law enforcement source told CBS News the encounter occurred in the 1600 block of Constitution Avenue NW, close to the Ellipse. Officers found the vehicle had been reported stolen, according to DHS.
Weapons and alleged threat
DHS said the man allegedly told officers he was planning an attempt on Trump's life. He also allegedly admitted that weapons were in the vehicle. Secret Service Director Sean Curran said officers used their training and experience to de-escalate what he described as a volatile situation. Curran said the incident presented an imminent threat to protectees and other Americans.
Immigration history and prior attacks
Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts since entering political life. During a July 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman fired from a nearby roof, killing one attendee and wounding Trump and two other people.
Key points
- The man was detained near the White House on Thursday night, DHS said.
- Officers allegedly found weapons in a vehicle reported stolen.
- DHS said the man entered through Texas in March 2024 and was later released after a Border Patrol arrest.
- A July 2024 shooting at a Butler rally killed one attendee and wounded Trump and two others.