A man was apprehended at an intersection close to Donald Trump's rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday for illegally possessing a shotgun and a loaded handgun, according to police reports.
The 49-year-old suspect, identified as Vem Miller, was driving a black SUV when deputies stopped him at a security checkpoint. During the stop, officers discovered two firearms along with a "high-capacity magazine."
Miller was taken into custody "without incident," as stated by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, and charged with possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine.
The US Secret Service confirmed that Trump “was not in any danger” and noted that the incident did not interfere with protective operations.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco described the suspect as a "lunatic" and expressed his belief that the officers had potentially thwarted a third assassination attempt. However, he acknowledged the difficulty in proving the suspect's intent.
A federal law enforcement official informed CBS News that there was no evidence linking this incident to an assassination attempt. Federal authorities are continuing their investigation, and any additional charges would be determined by them.
Sheriff Bianco, an elected Republican official who has shown support for Trump, emphasized the heightened security measures surrounding the former president, especially with the election approaching in just over three weeks. This incident follows two alleged assassination attempts on Trump earlier this year.
Miller faces two misdemeanor weapons charges and was released on a $5,000 bail. No federal charges have been filed against him at this time.
During a police news conference on Sunday, Sheriff Bianco mentioned that he might not be able to disclose all details due to the ongoing investigation. He noted that while the suspect initially appeared to be allowed in the area, several irregularities emerged as he approached the inner perimeter. These included a homemade license plate and a disorganized interior of the vehicle.
Authorities found multiple passports and driver's licenses with different names inside the car. The sheriff indicated that Miller claimed to be affiliated with the far-right group known as Sovereign Citizens, although he refrained from definitively labeling him as a member.
Bianco described the Sovereign Citizens as a group that rejects government authority and laws, rather than a militant organization. The US Attorney’s Office, Secret Service, and FBI are all aware of the arrest, and federal authorities have expressed their appreciation for the local deputies and partners who ensured the safety of the event.
In light of previous alleged assassination attempts, security measures surrounding Trump have been significantly intensified. Just a week prior to Miller's arrest, Trump held a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was previously targeted by a sniper, resulting in one fatality in the crowd. Additionally, another individual was arrested in September near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach while hiding in bushes with a rifle.
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