State House shooting: Suspect comes off ventilator, not responding to questioning - Crime Chief

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has revealed that the Nigerian national, who attempted to infiltrate State House last Thursday, has regained consciousness but is not responding to questions opposed by Police.

“They took him off the ventilator, but he is not responding to questions posed by investigators,” the Crime Chief noted.

Notwithstanding, Blanhum added that they would continue to monitor the Nigerian national’s health as the investigation continues.

On Thursday last at about 7:30h, pandemonium erupted at State House –President Irfaan Ali’s official residence – after a man identified as Ikena Chinezie approached the President’s security detail at the southeastern guard hut adjacent to Carmichael Street and stated: "I want the President.”

He drew a knife from the waist of his pants and stabbed Presidential Guard Telon Perreira five times before disarming another guard of his firearm.

Following the incident, organisation, as well as people from all walks of society, condemned the incident.

Moreover, President Ali, hours after the shooting, said his will and determination to serve Guyana was strengthened after the incident.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has also revealed that the government is sparing no effort to get the truth surrounding the incident.

The Nigerian national came to Guyana on March 14, 2020, and worked at a cleaning company.