CARACAS, Venezuela – President Chavez of Venezuela said the American ambassador was “provoking the Venezuelan people” and threatened yesterday to expel the American diplomat, whose convoy was chased by pro-government protesters on motorcycles.

Mr. Chavez condemned the crowd of protesters for pelting American Ambassador William Brownfield’s car with eggs and tomatoes, saying his government “rejects any kind of aggression.”

But he suggested Mr. Brownfield, who was returning from a visit to a ballpark in Caracas’ poor Coche neighborhood, a Chavez stronghold, sought a confrontation by failing to advise authorities adequately of his travel plans and venturing into a place where his presence was unwelcome.

“I’m going to throw you out of Venezuela if you continue provoking the Venezuelan people,” Mr. Chavez said in a nationally televised speech addressed to Mr. Brownfield.

Mr. Chavez’s incendiary comments came after Washington warned of “severe diplomatic consequence” if a similar incident repeats itself.

“If the Washington government takes some measure against Venezuela motivated by provocations, you will be responsible, you will have to leave here, sir. I will declare you persona non grata in Venezuela,” Mr. Chavez responded yesterday in the address to Mr. Brownfield.

Mr. Chavez accused Washington of seeking to escalate tensions and threatening Venezuela.

“With your imprudence and provocation, you could one of these days cause a grave incident because [you walk] around with people who are armed, with security forces,” Mr. Chavez said.

An American Embassy spokeswoman, Salome Hernandez, said the embassy refused to respond to “hypothetical” scenarios but added, “the ambassador will continue to travel and we will not be intimidated.”

Mr. Chavez has threatened repeatedly to halt oil exports to America, and in February, Washington expelled a Venezuelan diplomat in response to Mr. Chavez’s expulsion of an American embassy official for alleged spying.