A man was arrested for illegally possessing a shotgun and a loaded handgun near Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday, according to police.
The suspect, 49-year-old Vem Miller, was driving a black SUV when deputies stopped him at a security checkpoint, where they discovered the firearms and a “high-capacity magazine.” He was taken into custody “without incident” and charged with possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.
The US Secret Service stated that Trump “was not in any danger” and that the incident did not interfere with security operations. A local sheriff labeled the suspect a “lunatic,” assuring that the safety of Trump and rally attendees was not compromised.
While Sheriff Chad Bianco refrained from speculating on the suspect’s intentions, he expressed belief that his officers had potentially thwarted a third assassination attempt. However, a federal law enforcement official told CBS News that there was no evidence linking this incident to an assassination plot.
Federal authorities are continuing their investigation, which may lead to additional charges. Bianco, a Republican and Trump supporter, is also serving as a surrogate for Trump’s re-election campaign.
The arrest occurred at 4:59 PM PDT, just an hour before Trump was set to speak, highlighting the heightened security measures surrounding him, especially with the upcoming election. This follows two alleged assassination attempts on Trump earlier this year.
Miller has been charged with two misdemeanor weapon offenses and released on $5,000 bail. No federal charges have been filed yet. During a press conference, Bianco noted that the suspect’s approach to the rally’s outer perimeter seemed normal, but irregularities arose once he reached the inner perimeter.
The vehicle had a homemade license plate and was disorganized inside, with multiple passports and driver’s licenses under different names found in the car. Miller claimed to be affiliated with the far-right group Sovereign Citizens, which Bianco described as a group that rejects government authority.
The US Attorney’s Office, Secret Service, and FBI have been informed of the arrest. The Secret Service reiterated that the incident did not affect protective measures, emphasizing their appreciation for the local law enforcement’s role in ensuring safety.
Security around Trump has intensified following previous assassination attempts. Just a week prior to Miller’s arrest, Trump held a rally in Pennsylvania, where he narrowly escaped injury after a sniper shot at the crowd. Additionally, another man was arrested in September near the Trump International Golf Club, found hiding with a rifle.
