Man with Shotgun Arrested Near Trump’s Rally in California
A man illegally possessing a shotgun and a loaded handgun was arrested near former President Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella, California, according to police reports.
The 49-year-old suspect, identified as Vem Miller, was driving a black SUV when he was stopped at a security checkpoint by deputies. They discovered the two firearms along with a “high-capacity magazine,” as reported by BBC.
The U.S. Secret Service stated that Trump “was not in any danger” and assured that the incident did not disrupt security operations. Miller was taken into custody “without incident” by the Riverside County Sheriff’s office and faces charges for possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.
A local sheriff described the suspect as a “lunatic” and emphasized that the situation did not compromise the safety of Trump or the rally attendees. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco expressed his belief that the officers had potentially thwarted a third assassination attempt, though he acknowledged that proving intent could be challenging.
Federal law enforcement officials, speaking to CBS News, indicated that there was no evidence linking the incident to an assassination attempt. Investigations are ongoing, and any further charges would be determined by federal authorities.
Bianco, an elected Republican official who supports Trump’s re-election campaign, noted that the incident occurred at 4:59 PM PDT, just an hour before Trump was set to take the stage. This event underscores the heightened security surrounding the former President, especially as the election approaches.
Miller faces two misdemeanor weapons charges and has been released on a $5,000 bail, with no federal charges filed at this time.
In a police briefing, Bianco highlighted that while the suspect initially appeared to have the right to be in the area, “many irregularities” became apparent as he approached the rally’s inner perimeter. Authorities found a homemade license plate, a disorganized vehicle interior, and multiple passports and driver’s licenses under different names.
Miller claimed affiliation with the far-right group known as Sovereign Citizens, a group that generally rejects government authority. Bianco clarified that while these individuals do not see themselves as militants, they do not recognize government laws or control.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Secret Service, and FBI are all aware of the arrest, and a joint statement indicated that the incident did not affect Trump’s protective operations. They also commended local law enforcement for their efforts in ensuring safety during the event.
Following previous alleged assassination attempts, security around Trump has been significantly heightened. Just a week prior, he held a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the same location where he faced sniper fire earlier this year. Another individual was arrested outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach in September, caught hiding in bushes with a rifle.
