Venezuela faced renewed unrest as gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in Caracas, causing alarm among residents and authorities. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, now serving as acting president, had just assumed office hours earlier, making the timing of the incident particularly significant. The gunfire reportedly followed the appearance of drones over the Miraflores Palace, prompting security forces to open fire. Video footage of the event circulated on social media, capturing the intense moments as gunshots were heard near the palace for nearly a minute.
#BREAKING – Heavy gunfire erupts near presidential palace in Caracas (Video). Soldiers and armoured vehicles were seen in Venezuelan capital amid reports of a coup attempt.#carcas #VenezuelaLibre #madurocaptured pic.twitter.com/1MbCz4gKrq
— Risav Bajpayi (@jurnorisav) January 6, 2026
The United States issued a statement emphasizing that it had no involvement in the gunfire incident but confirmed that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela. Analysts suggest that the gunfire may have been triggered by coordination lapses among paramilitary personnel responsible for securing the presidential complex. Residents and security experts indicated that the heightened alert around the newly assumed acting president contributed to increased tension in the area.
The appearance of drones over the Miraflores Palace underscores vulnerabilities in the country’s security apparatus and reflects the ongoing fragility of Venezuela’s political environment. The incident has intensified concerns about stability in the capital, especially as Delcy Rodriguez takes on presidential responsibilities. Observers note that the swift response by security forces, while effective in dispersing the drones, highlights both the operational challenges and the high stakes of political transitions in the country.