Man arrested near Trump rally with firearms released on bail

A man carrying a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine was arrested near a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday, authorities said. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller, was driving a black SUV when he was stopped at a security checkpoint near the event, leading to the discovery of the weapons by Riverside County deputies.

According to a statement from the Riverside County Sheriff’s office, Miller was taken into custody “without incident” and booked on charges of possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine. Despite the charges’ seriousness, Miller was released after posting a $5,000 bail. Federal charges have not been filed at this time.

The U.S. Secret Service, responsible for the protection of former President Donald Trump, assured the public that the incident did not pose a threat to Trump’s safety, nor did it disrupt any of their protective operations. Trump was reportedly not in any danger at any point during the arrest.

Before his release, Miller faced two misdemeanor weapons charges. A local sheriff characterized the suspect as a “lunatic” but stated there was no evidence to suggest an assassination attempt was in progress. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican and known supporter of Trump, speculated that the arrest might have thwarted a third assassination attempt on the former president, but admitted there was no conclusive proof of such an intent. Bianco also emphasized that further investigation would be necessary to determine Miller’s motives.

The suspect, Miller, was found with not only illegal firearms but also a fake license plate on his SUV, which police described as being in “disarray” inside. Multiple passports and driver’s licenses under various names were also discovered in the vehicle. Sheriff Bianco further revealed that Miller claimed to be affiliated with the far-right group known as the “Sovereign Citizens.” The group is known for rejecting government authority and laws, with its members often refusing to comply with legal requirements. However, Bianco stopped short of confirming Miller’s direct involvement with the group.

This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns surrounding Trump, especially as the former president ramps up his public appearances ahead of the upcoming election. Trump has been the target of two previous alleged assassination attempts earlier this year. In one case, a sniper opened fire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, injuring one person in the crowd, and in another incident, a man armed with a rifle was arrested near Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

During a press conference on Sunday, Sheriff Bianco expressed caution in revealing too many details due to the ongoing investigation. He stated that while Miller initially appeared to be a legitimate attendee of the rally, irregularities with his vehicle and personal documents raised suspicion. Authorities are continuing to investigate Miller’s background and intentions, while federal law enforcement agencies remain involved in the case.

The U.S. Secret Service reiterated that Trump’s security was not compromised during the incident and thanked local authorities for their assistance in ensuring the safety of the event. As the investigation continues, further details about the suspect’s affiliations and motives may emerge, but for now, the focus remains on maintaining heightened security around Trump’s public appearances.