Following the revelation of a plot to assassinate San Bernardo Mayor Christopher White, his residence has been transformed into a secure location, with a procession of officials and heightened security measures in place. The mayor, who was alerted by prosecutors that a criminal gang had planned his murder, found himself under immediate threat after the arrest of Juan Flores Valenzuela, known as "Indio Juan." The warning came from prosecutor Marcos Pastén, who informed White that the attack was not just a mere claim but a carefully planned operation intended to occur before September 18 during a public event. White was so shocked by the news that he spent the night of Tuesday outside his home and was relocated to another residence within San Bernardo. However, due to concerns over the new location becoming known, authorities are considering moving him again. Despite being on medical leave, White is set to return to work on Thursday starting at 06:30 hours. In the meantime, he used the day to rest and receive visits from a dozen officials who have come to show their support. By 17:00 hours, it is expected that Minister of Public Security Martín Arrau will visit White. The visits began early Wednesday with Mayor Agustín Iglesias of Independencia, followed by Mayors Claudio Castro of Renca, Karina Delfino of Quinta Normal, Manuel Zúñiga of El Bosque, and Claudia Pizarro of La Pintana, among others. Support from political figures was broad, including Deputy Raúl Leiva (PS). Others expected to attend include Mayor Tomás Vodanovic of Maipú, Senator Manuel José Ossandón (RN), and former presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei of Chile Vamos, though she postponed her visit due to a scheduled trip to Concepción. Also expected is Senator and PS leader Paulina Vodanovic. According to those close to White, the mayor initially felt deeply impacted by the news but gradually showed improvement in his mood. The situation gained prominence after White met with the prosecutor, who formally conveyed that the threat was more than just an assertion, it involved planning for an attack that was anticipated to take place before September 18 at a public event. White reportedly expressed privately that he had not yet received a call from President José Antonio Kast. Despite this, the president reiterated from Magallanes, where he is currently on a tour, his willingness to meet with White and offer support for what he has endured. Mayor Iglesias criticized the lack of presence from President Kast, stating he was upset and disappointed by the absence of communication from the president, adding that Kast should be present alongside Minister Martín Arrau. It has also been reported that Minister Arrau called White late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning, but the mayor did not respond. Additional complications arose from the family's reaction to the threat. According to La Tercera, members of White’s inner circle suggested he consider stepping away from politics. White himself stated shortly after being hospitalized that these were difficult times for him, his family, and his surroundings, emphasizing that organized crime would not prevail and that they would continue forward with even greater strength. In response to the threats, new security measures have been implemented for White. Currently, he is protected by two municipal inspectors, but additional police escorts have been arranged. As of now, further developments remain pending.
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