A man was arrested near a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, United States, after police discovered him in possession of two illegal firearms.
The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller, was stopped at a security checkpoint while driving a black SUV, where deputies found a loaded handgun, a shotgun, and a “high-capacity magazine.”
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Miller was taken into custody without resistance and booked for possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.
While the Secret Service emphasized that Trump “was not in any danger” and that the security operation around him was unaffected, local law enforcement believed they had possibly averted a more serious threat.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, whose department made the arrest, referred to the suspect as a “lunatic” during a press conference.
He further suggested that while authorities could not definitively prove intent, he “truly believed” that the officers had prevented a third assassination attempt against the former president.
However, a federal law enforcement official later mentioned that there was no evidence of an assassination attempt connected to the incident, and federal authorities are still investigating.
The incident, which took place at approximately 4:59 p.m. local time on Saturday, raises concerns about the security risks surrounding Trump, especially with the election just weeks away.
It follows two other alleged assassination attempts earlier in the year, adding to the heightened security measures around the former president.
Miller, who was charged with two misdemeanor weapons violations, was released on a $5,000 bail, with no federal charges currently filed.
According to Sheriff Bianco, the vehicle Miller was driving had several red flags, including a fake license plate, a disorganized interior, and the discovery of multiple passports and driver’s licenses under different names.
Bianco also mentioned that Miller had claimed affiliation with the Sovereign Citizens, a far-right group known for rejecting government authority, though the sheriff noted that further investigation would be needed to confirm his involvement.
Bianco, a Republican and an outspoken supporter of Trump, acknowledged that while the arrest might not lead to concrete conclusions about Miller’s intentions, his office had a duty to ensure safety.
He explained that Miller “gave all indications” that he was supposed to be in the area, but further scrutiny revealed multiple irregularities that raised concerns.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, have been made aware of the arrest and continue to assess the situation.
In a joint statement, they expressed gratitude to local law enforcement for their role in maintaining security during the rally.
The statement reiterated that Trump was never in danger and that the investigation is ongoing.
This arrest follows a string of security incidents involving Trump. Just a week prior, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump had his ear grazed by shrapnel after a sniper opened fire, killing an attendee in the crowd.
Additionally, another man is currently in jail after being caught hiding with a rifle near Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach in September.
As the 2024 election approaches, the heightened security around Trump is becoming more pronounced, with each new incident underscoring the potential dangers he faces while on the campaign trail.
