BREAKING: Gunfire Erupts Near Presidential Palace in Caracas as Maduro Faces U.S. Court
Chaos and confusion grip Venezuela’s capital following reported shooting, as ousted leader Nicolás Maduro defends himself in a Manhattan courtroom.
Tensions have exploded in Caracas after sounds of gunfire were reported near the Miraflores Presidential Palace in the early hours of Monday, sparking panic and raising urgent questions about who is truly in control of the country.
The incident occurred just one day after Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president—a move that followed the shocking capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. authorities, who have announced they will temporarily oversee the nation’s affairs.
Social Media Videos Capture Chaos
Multiple videos circulating on social media show armed men on the streets with clear audio of gunshots in the background. One verified clip was recorded near Miraflores Palace, where the distinctive pops of gunfire are heard. Another video, taken roughly 650 meters from the palace in a public square, captures a moment of chilling confusion.
In the footage, a voice can be heard asking in Spanish, “What happened?” An apparent security officer responds urgently: “Drone, drone.” The exchange suggests the gunfire may have been triggered by a drone sighting, though this has not been independently confirmed.
Maduro’s Defiant Court Appearance
While unrest simmered in Caracas, Nicolás Maduro made his first appearance in a Manhattan courtroom since he and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested in a military-style raid at their home in Caracas on Saturday. Transported under heavy guard from Brooklyn via helicopter and armored vehicle, the 63-year-old arrived with his wife just before noon.
Before a judge, Maduro—speaking through an interpreter—declared, “I was arrested,” before being cut off. He vehemently denied U.S. drug trafficking charges, insisted on his innocence, and stated he remains the “legitimate president” of Venezuela. Flores also denied the charges against her.
An Uncertain Future
The legal and political fate of Nicolás Maduro now hangs in the balance. The U.S. has stated it will continue to hold him while preparing legal procedures to decide whether he will be tried domestically or handed over to an international court.
Political and legal analysts warn the case could take a protracted path due to the severity of the accusations and its profound implications for international relations. This uncertainty further clouds the already volatile political future of Venezuela.
As armed personnel remain on the streets of Caracas and the world watches Maduro’s legal battle unfold, one question looms larger than ever: Who truly runs Venezuela?
