"Something might happen to you before the 18th": the new threat that ended with Mayor White in shock and hospitalized

Christopher White, the mayor of San Bernardo, was hospitalized after receiving a direct threat from authorities that he could be killed before September 18, according to reports from local media. The warning came following the arrest of Juan Flores Valenzuela, known as “El Indio Juan,” who is suspected of being linked to the threats against the mayor. The Ministry of Public Prosecution confirmed that an investigation into threats against White is ongoing, with increased security measures in place. The incident unfolded after the Ministry of Public Prosecution met with White to disclose new threats against his life. In a statement released this morning, the Western Prosecutor’s Office stated it was investigating a crime involving threats that posed a risk to White's safety. The office emphasized that the case is under strict confidentiality and includes protective measures for the mayor. It added that the prosecutor had personally informed White of the situation and confirmed that additional security steps would be taken. Close associates of White told La Tercera that the mayor suffered a severe emotional reaction upon learning of the threat. They described how, despite previous threats, this one was particularly alarming because it came directly from the prosecutor’s office. According to these sources, the threat was part of a planned attack set to occur before September 18. White reportedly entered a state of shock and was admitted to the Indisa Clinic in Maipú for medical attention. Minister of Security Martin Arrau confirmed that White was being treated at a healthcare facility after receiving the information. He stressed that such threats against public officials are serious and that the government would not back down. “This is a complicated situation when the State and its officials are targeted, but we cannot retreat. That is why we have increased security levels around him,” Arrau said. White spoke to Chilevisión earlier today, expressing his distress over the revelation. “It is a very tough moment for me and those who support me. When the State tells me I might be killed, it is something terrible. Honestly, with something like this, one has to reconsider whether continuing along this path is worth it,” he said. Despite White’s concerns, regional leaders showed solidarity. Delegado Presidencial of the Metropolitan Region, German Codina, and Governor Claudio Orrego visited White at the hospital and assured him that he remained committed to his duties. They expressed confidence in his resolve to continue serving the community. In May 2026, during an interview with La Tercera, White acknowledged the difficulty of living under constant threats, especially since they were not new. “It is very difficult and unfair to live with this kind of threats, especially considering that it is not the first time I have received them since taking office in 2021,” he said. He recounted that the first threat was related to street vendors disrupting a chain of illegal cigarette sales in public spaces. This marked the fifth such threat he had faced during his tenure as mayor.