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Story highlights
Helicopter from which attackers fired guns, threw grenades is found near beachside town
Venezuelan president calls attack a coup attempt
CNN
—
A stolen police helicopter used during a daring attack on the Venezuelan Supreme Court was found Wednesday in a rural part of the country, but the man authorities say piloted the aircraft is on the run.
The helicopter was allegedly piloted by Oscar Perez, an officer in the country’s investigative police force. As it strafed the court building and the Interior Ministry in Caracas on Tuesday, attackers fired gunshots and lobbed grenades, officials said.
The assault was a dramatic escalation of the months-long crisis engulfing the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.
None of those involved in the attack appear to have been tracked down. Venezuela has asked Interpol to issue a red notice for Perez, according to Néstor Luis Reverol, the county’s minister of interior, justice and peace. A red notice alerts authorities in other countries, including border officials, that someone is wanted.
The helicopter was found in the seaside state of Vargas, Venezuelan state news agency AVN reported. Photos published on the verified Twitter feed for Venezuela’s Vice President Tareck El Aissami show the helicopter in a clearing. It was found by the Venezuelan Air Force in a heavily-wooded area near the municipality of Osma, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Caracas.
Maduro condemned the attack as an attempted coup, saying “terrorists” were behind the offensive and that an operation was underway to track the perpetrators down.
But much remained murky about the assault. If it was an attempt to unseat Maduro’s government, it was a spectacular failure; no one was injured and one of the grenades failed to explode, government officials said.
It was unclear how a rogue police helicopter could have circled high-profile buildings in the Venezuelan capital without being shot down. Witnesses and local journalists said the assault went on for about two hours.
Earlier Tuesday, Maduro appeared to foreshadow an uprising, saying that his supporters would be ready to take up arms if the “Bolivarian revolution” was threatened.
The attack came after months of protests against Maduro’s regime and ahead of a vote on July 30 to elect members of a controversial new body that could make changes to the country’s constitution.
Video messager
Before the attack began, a man who identified himself as Perez appeared in a video online saying an operation was underway to seize democracy back from Venezuela’s “criminal government.” Flanked by a group of armed men in military fatigues and balaclavas, Perez claimed to be speaking on behalf of a coalition of military, police officers and civil officials.
In his video message, Perez said he was a pilot in the special response unit of Venezuela’s Criminal Investigative Police (CICPC) and demanded that Maduro step down.
The pilot of the helicopter, Oscar Perez, in a video message posted online.
oscarperezgv/Instagram
“On this day, we are carrying out a deployment by air and land with the sole purpose to return the democratic power to the people and to ensure the laws to establish constitutional order,” he said.
Photographs posted online showed a helicopter with the initials of the investigative police unit on its side, flying above the capital, Caracas.
Through an open door an occupant is seen holding a banner saying “Article 350 libertad” – referring to an article in the Venezuelan constitution that allows citizens to oppose the government should it subvert democratic principles.
It remained unclear on Wednesday how much support the assailants enjoyed among the police and security services they claimed to represent.
The background of Perez, the apparent ringleader, appeared colorful: Reuters reported that he was involved in a 2015 action film, Suspended Death, which he co-produced and starred in as an intelligence agent rescuing a kidnapped businessman.
Maduro response
Minister for Communications and Information Ernesto Villegas called the incident an attempted coup.
He said the attackers had launched four grenades, two against a group of National Guards who were protecting the court building. About 15 shots were fired around the Ministry of the Interior, a few blocks away from the presidential palace, he said, while a social event was ongoing inside the building, celebrating the National Day of Journalists. Around 80 people were in the building, he said.
Maduro said he had activated government security forces to investigate the attack.
Earlier Tuesday, Maduro warned of a potential attack. Speaking at a rally, he said, “If Venezuela was launched into chaos and violence and the Bolivarian Revolution was destroyed, we would go to combat.
“We would never give up. And what couldn’t be done with votes, we would do it with weapons. We would liberate our fatherland with arms.”
Villegas said the vote on the constituent assembly would go ahead as planned. “This will not impede the right to vote by the Venezuelan people on July 30th to elect the members of the National Assembly constituency,” he said.
Critics have said it would also allow for the reshaping of the current legislative body, as well as redefining the President’s executive powers.
The government intimidates and restricts the media in Venezuela, taking CNN en Español off the air. The government tightly controls visas for foreign journalists including CNN, arresting those who report from inside the country without proper permits.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Wil Riera/AP
A costumed demonstrator in Caracas, Venezuela, protests the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday, August 6. Unrest continued to sweep through the country after a new legislative assembly was inaugurated following a controversial election on July 30. The new assembly has wide-ranging powers and is expected to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution at Maduro's behest. Opposition supporters, who see the vote as a power grab and an erosion of democracy, boycotted and staged demonstrations against the vote.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Juan Carlos Hernandez/AP
Soldiers stop a vehicle and detain its passengers on the Paramacay military base in Valencia, Venezuela, on August 6. According to authorities, two people were killed when an anti-government paramilitary attack was quelled at the base.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-government activists stand near a flaming barricade in Valencia on August 6.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
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A man is arrested in Valencia during clashes between anti-government activists and the National Guard on August 6.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
STR/EFE/EPA
Members of the Venezuelan armed forces fly over Valencia in a helicopter while citizens demonstrate in support of a group that staged a paramilitary uprising at the Paramacay military base on August 6.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Wil Riera/AP
Venezuela's Chief Prosecutor Luisa Ortega Diaz, third from left, is surrounded by employees of the General Prosecutor's office as she is barred by security forces from entering her office in Caracas on Saturday, August 5.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Ariana Cubillos/AP
Diosdado Cabello, a member of Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, holds an image of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez as delegates gather for a group photo following their swearing-in ceremony on Friday, August 4.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition activists protest against the newly inaugurated National Constituent Assembly on August 4.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
A woman in Caracas attends a vigil Monday, July 31, for anti-government activists who have died in the country's recent unrest. More than 120 people have been killed in Venezuela since early April, according to the attorney general's office.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/Newscom/EFE
Opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens addresses a rally in Caracas on July 31. Two other leading opposition figures, Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma, were rounded up from their homes, according to their families.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Maduro celebrates the results of a national vote on Sunday, July 30. His opponents boycotted the election and demonstrated against it for weeks, saying he orchestrated it to get around the existing National Assembly, which the opposition has controlled since 2015. Maduro has argued that the Constituent Assembly will help bring peace to a polarized country, with all branches of the government falling under the political movement founded by his late mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chavez.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/EFE/EPA
Members of Venezuela's national police are caught in an explosion as they ride motorcycles near Altamira Square in Caracas on July 30. Venezuela has seen widespread unrest since March 29, when the Supreme Court dissolved Parliament and transferred all legislative powers to itself. The decision was later reversed, but protests have continued across the country, which is also in the midst of an economic crisis.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
A wounded anti-government demonstrator is helped by medics during clashes with police in Caracas on July 30.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A demonstrator shouts slogans through a traffic cone during an anti-government protest in Caracas on July 30.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ/EFE/EPA
A protester wounded by a pellet gun receives attention July 30 during a demonstration against the vote for a Constituent Assembly.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Carlos Becerra/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A member of the National Guard fires at protesters during clashes in Caracas on Friday, July 28.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Fernando Llano/AP
A demonstrator dressed as Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar is silhouetted against a national flag in Caracas on Monday, July 24.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
INAKI ZUGASTI/AFP/Getty Images
Venezuelan police Officer Oscar Perez joins in an anti-government protest in Caracas on Thursday, July 13. Perez allegedly piloted a stolen police helicopter used to attack the Venezuelan Supreme Court with grenades on June 27.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/EPA
Venezuelan lawmakers Luis Stefanelli, left, and Jose Regnault appear stunned in a corridor of the National Assembly after a clash with demonstrators in Caracas on Wednesday, July 5. Supporters of Maduro stormed the building and attacked opposition lawmakers, witnesses said. At least seven legislative employees and five lawmakers were injured, according to National Assembly President Julio Borges. Journalists said they were also assaulted.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
STRINGER/EFE/EPA
National Guard members clash with deputies of the National Assembly in the Parliament's courtyard in Caracas on Tuesday, June 27.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
A boy runs under a national flag during a June 27 protest in Caracas.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Ariana Cubillos/AP
Protesters tear down a fence at the La Carlota airbase outside Caracas on Friday, June 23. A soldier shot a demonstrator through the fence at the base on the previous day, killing him.
Photos: Police shoot man at Paris Orly Airport
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Miguel Gutiérrez/Newscom/EFE/Newscom
Protester David Jose Vallenilla is shot through a fence by a member of the National Guard near a military base in Caracas on Thursday, June 22. Vallenilla later died in the hospital after suffering three gunshot wounds to the chest.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
Maduro holds up a copy of the Venezuelan constitution during a news conference at the presidential palace in Caracas on June 22. Maduro has called for changes to the constitution amid the unrest.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/EFE/EPA
A protester hides behind a barrier in Caracas on June 22.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
An opposition activist displays bullet shells during an anti-government demonstration on Monday, June 19.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
People flee during a clash between opposition demonstrators and riot police in Caracas on June 19.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition activists aim projectiles toward riot police during a demonstration on June 19.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators stand in front of a police vehicle on June 19.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
LUIS ROBAYO/AFP/Getty Images
A street in eastern Caracas is painted with the names of people killed during more than two months of protests.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Ariana Cubillos/AP
During a "Grandparents' March" in Caracas, a man is blocked by police from reaching the Government Ombudsman's Office on Friday, May 12.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition activists scuffle with riot police in Caracas on May 12.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
Thousands of Venezuelan protesters march on a Caracas highway on Wednesday, May 10.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition activists clash with riot police in Caracas on Monday, May 8.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty Images
An armored National Guard vehicle runs over a protester in Caracas on Wednesday, May 3. The protester, 22-year-old Pedro Michell Yaminne, survived, his mother told CNN. Interior and justice minister Nestor Reverol told reporters that the "lamentable" incident was under investigation. He said that moments before Yaminne was run over, demonstrators hurled a Molotov cocktail at the armored vehicle, opened the side door and "brutally assaulted" the driver.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator catches fire during protests in Caracas on May 3. It happened as protesters clashed with police and the gas tank of a police motorcycle exploded. Other photos from the scene showed the man being attended for burns to his body.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator stands in front of an armored vehicle during protests in Caracas on Wednesday, April 19.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles reacts to tear gas during a protest on April 19.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police clash with demonstrators while tear gas fills the air in Caracas on April 19.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Fernando Llano/AP
Rescue workers tend to a demonstrator hit by a tear gas canister during anti-government protests on April 19.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator reacts during a march in Caracas on Saturday, April 15.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Fernando Llano/AP
A protester suffering from the effects of tear gas is carried away on Thursday, April 13.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Fernando Llano/AP
Clouds of tear gas spread across a highway in Caracas during clashes on Monday, April 10.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Ariana Cubillos/AP
Demonstrators help a journalist whose leg was injured while covering clashes in Caracas on April 10.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
CARLOS BECERRA/AFP/Getty Images
Thousands of demonstrators protest against Maduro in Caracas on Saturday, April 8.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Venezuelan police line up before clashing with opposition activists on Thursday, April 6.
Photos: Crisis in Venezuela
Fernando Llano/AP
Demonstrators fight with national police officers in Caracas on Tuesday, April 4.
Opposition lawmakers, guardsmen clash
Shortly before the helicopter incident, there were clashes about a mile away between opposition lawmakers and Venezuelan National Guardsmen outside the Venezuelan National Assembly.
According to the National Assembly’s official Twitter page, the scuffles – caught on video – started after the National Guardsmen came into the building carrying electoral boxes, prompting demands for an explanation from lawmakers.
Members of the National Guard clash with deputies of the National Assembly in the courtyard of the Parliament in Caracas on Tuesday.
STRINGER/EFE/EPA
Opposition lawmakers said they had been prevented by guardsmen from leaving the building for over four hours. A journalist was injured, they said.
Late Tuesday night, the Venezuelan Supreme Court issued a decision that grants Venezuelan Ombudsman Tarek Williams Saab – a Maduro loyalist – powers to investigate, defend and oversee human rights complaints.
The decision follows disagreement between the offices of the Ombudsman and the Attorney General as to who is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of human rights abuses.
It is unclear from the Supreme Court’s decision if the powers have been fully transferred to Saab or if the two offices will now investigate cases. CNN is seeking clarification from the government.
Venezuela is in the throes of a political and humanitarian crisis which has brought thousands of people onto the streets in mass protests demanding a change of government.
Soaring inflation and widespread shortages of medicines, food and other essentials have infuriated many people, who are struggling to afford even basic necessities.
A group of hooded civilians stand outside the Parliament building in Caracas on Tuesday.
STRINGER/EFE/EPA
Under former President Hugo Chavez, who was Maduro’s mentor, oil revenue fueled Venezuela’s economy. However, falling oil prices have made state subsidies unsustainable.
Anti-government protesters want Maduro to step down, accusing him of eroding democracy. Maduro, meanwhile, has sent the Venezuelan military onto the streets to maintain order, leading to deadly clashes. At least 75 civilians have died in the unrest, including the point-blank shooting of a 22-year-old protester by a soldier last week.
CNN’s Marilia Brochetto, Julia Jones, Michael Roa, Sarah Faidell and Clara Lopez contributed to this report. Journalist Stefano Pozzebon also contributed.
