A Nigerian was shot and nabbed while trying to kill the President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali.
The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Bethel Ikenna Chimezie by the police and according to them, he was employed at a cleaning service.
Police revealed that at around 7:30 AM on December 15, 2022, the man went inside a security room situated at the southern side of State House located at Main, Carmichael and New Market Streets.
The man later confronted the guards and said: “I want the President (Mohamed Irfaan Ali)” before bringing out a knife from his pants and stabbing Telon Perreira, a Presidential Guard, five times on his neck and body.
According to reports, other guards tried to stop him, but the suspect managed to disarm another of his 9MM pistol and went back to Carmichael Street where he started shooting at them.
The guards of the President shot back and the man returned fire as he was pursued by the guards to New Market Street, where he was eventually shot.
Footages of the man being advised by citizens to drop the weapon as he lay wounded on the ground have been posted online.
The suspect and the injured Presidential Guard are currently getting medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The Guyana Police Force said a request has been submitted to the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) for more information on the suspect.
While talking to journalists, a senior police officer said: “The GPF has requested via INTERPOL a comprehensive background check on him; also whether he has any criminal history or whether he is linked to any criminal group.”
Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali has gone to the hospital to visit the security officer who was injured whilst fighting off the suspect at State House.
