Authorities arrested a 49-year-old man near a Trump rally, discovering a shotgun, handgun, and fake passports in his vehicle. The incident, occurring an hour before Trump's appearance, underscores heightened security concerns but posed no immediate danger to the former president.
Man Detained Near Trump Rally with Arsenal and Fake IDs
Man Detained Near Trump Rally with Arsenal and Fake IDs
In Coachella, California, police apprehended a man with multiple firearms and forged documents near a Trump rally.
A man identified as Vem Miller was arrested near a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday, after authorities discovered two firearms in his possession. Riverside County Sheriff's deputies stopped Miller's black SUV at a security checkpoint, where they found a shotgun, a loaded handgun, several fake passports, and a "high-capacity magazine". Fortunately, the 49-year-old was taken into custody without any complications, according to a statement from the Riverside County Sheriff's office.
The US Secret Service confirmed that the former president's safety was not compromised by this incident and that Mr. Miller's intentions remain unconfirmed. Despite some local speculation, federal officials have said there is currently no evidence of an attempted assassination plot. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco emphasized the quick actions of his officers but refrained from speculating on Miller's motives, dismissing arbitrary questions on his political leanings and labeling him a "lunatic."
The incident took place approximately an hour before Trump was scheduled to speak and stresses yet again the intense security measures surrounding him amid heightened scrutiny following previous threats against his safety. Federal authorities are actively investigating the case to determine whether charges beyond weapon possession might be filed against Miller. The FBI, US Attorney’s Office, and the Secret Service have expressed their gratitude for the coordinated efforts ensuring security at the event.
Mr. Miller has since been released on $5,000 bail, and investigations are ongoing. This episode adds to a series of alarming attempts over recent months, including a sniper incident in Pennsylvania, underscoring persistent risks in the lead-up to the election.
The US Secret Service confirmed that the former president's safety was not compromised by this incident and that Mr. Miller's intentions remain unconfirmed. Despite some local speculation, federal officials have said there is currently no evidence of an attempted assassination plot. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco emphasized the quick actions of his officers but refrained from speculating on Miller's motives, dismissing arbitrary questions on his political leanings and labeling him a "lunatic."
The incident took place approximately an hour before Trump was scheduled to speak and stresses yet again the intense security measures surrounding him amid heightened scrutiny following previous threats against his safety. Federal authorities are actively investigating the case to determine whether charges beyond weapon possession might be filed against Miller. The FBI, US Attorney’s Office, and the Secret Service have expressed their gratitude for the coordinated efforts ensuring security at the event.
Mr. Miller has since been released on $5,000 bail, and investigations are ongoing. This episode adds to a series of alarming attempts over recent months, including a sniper incident in Pennsylvania, underscoring persistent risks in the lead-up to the election.
