Reports indicate heavy gunfire or anti-aircraft fire near the country’s presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, with the cause still unclear.
Initial reports surfaced around 8:30 p.m. local time on Monday. Videos shared on social media appear to show sustained bursts of gunfire, with some footage suggesting small-arms or anti-aircraft fire aimed into the air. Other circulating videos show armed individuals in the vicinity of the palace.
WATCH: More visuals of extremely heavy gunfire near presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela; AP sources say ‘situation under control’ pic.twitter.com/Xv75QzAuOA
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) January 6, 2026
The incident comes amid heightened instability in Venezuela following a U.S. operation that reportedly resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife at a military bunker near Caracas.
After Maduro’s reported capture, Venezuela’s Supreme Court named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. Rodríguez has condemned the U.S. operation in public statements, while also signaling a willingness to pursue dialogue and cooperation.
Authorities have not confirmed the nature of the gunfire, and it remains unclear what prompted the incident near the presidential palace.
