Overview
- Zohran Mamdani condemned the seizure as an “act of war,” saying he phoned President Trump to oppose what he called a pursuit of regime change that could affect New Yorkers, including the city’s Venezuelan community.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi said Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores are indicted in the Southern District of New York on narco‑terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons charges and will face trial in federal court.
- ABC News reported the aircraft believed to be carrying Maduro landed at Stewart Airport, with a DEA‑escorted transfer to New York City expected for processing and detention, likely at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
- President Trump said the United States would temporarily run Venezuela until a transition, prompting demands from congressional leaders for immediate briefings and criticism over acting without authorization.
- The United Nations expressed deep concern and reiterated the need for respect for international law, while Republican critics blasted Mamdani’s stance and New York officials, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, questioned presidential authority.