Venezuela's capital was plunged into chaos and fear on the night of Monday, January 5, 2026, following reports of sustained heavy gunfire near the country's presidential palace.
Night of Violence in Caracas
The unrest erupted in the vicinity of the Miraflores Palace, the seat of presidential power in Caracas. This incident comes in the tense aftermath of the sudden and reported removal of President Nicolás Maduro from power. According to sources, Maduro and his wife were seized from their home and flown to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, setting the stage for the subsequent disorder.
Videos that quickly circulated on social media captured the alarming sound of sustained automatic gunfire echoing through the streets of the capital. The night sky was reportedly lit by what witnesses described as anti-aircraft fire and the lights of drones, beginning around 8:15 PM local time.
Journalist Footage Captures the Scene
Local journalist Richard Humberto Blanco Bencomo shared critical footage that appears to show armed individuals moving through the area surrounding the palace and opening fire. In a caption translated from Spanish, Blanco wrote, “A resident of Miraflores in Caracas sends me this video. Shooting in the vicinity. I don’t know the real reason.”
Residents in the area confirmed the terrifying events, reporting loud blasts that sounded like anti-aircraft fire. The streets descended into disorder as the shooting continued, creating a scene of panic and uncertainty in the heart of the Venezuelan government district.
Aftermath and Ongoing Uncertainty
The gunfire near the Miraflores Palace marks a severe escalation in the political crisis gripping Venezuela. The removal of a sitting president is an event that inherently creates a power vacuum and instability, often leading to violent confrontations as different factions vie for control.
This incident raises immediate and serious questions about:
- Security control: Who is in charge of securing the capital and key government installations?
- Political leadership: What group or individual is asserting authority following Maduro's reported departure?
- Civilian safety: The direct impact on residents living near the epicenter of the violence.
The situation remains fluid, and the full context and consequences of the armed clash are still emerging. The events of January 5th underscore the fragile and volatile state of affairs in Venezuela, with the potential for further violence as the nation navigates this profound political upheaval.
