A man carrying a shotgun and a loaded handgun was apprehended by sheriff’s deputies at a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest, announced on Sunday, took place on Saturday as deputies assigned to secure the event identified the suspect, later named as 49-year-old Vem Miller from Las Vegas.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the arrest, emphasizing that neither former President Trump nor attendees at the rally were ever in danger. The agency, in coordination with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, stated that while no federal charges have been filed, investigations are still ongoing.
Miller, who was driving a black SUV, was taken into custody at a security checkpoint near the rally and booked at a local detention center. He faces charges of possessing a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine. He has since been released on bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on January 2.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who also addressed attendees at the rally and is known as a vocal Trump supporter, spoke about the arrest during a press briefing. “There’s absolutely no way that any of us are going to truly know what was in his head,” said Bianco, who previously affiliated with the Oath Keepers group. He suggested that his deputies’ actions may have prevented a potential third assassination attempt against Trump, following two recent incidents: one where a bullet grazed Trump’s ear in Pennsylvania, and another aborted attempt at Trump’s golf course in Florida.
In addition to the firearms, authorities reported finding multiple passports and identification documents under different names inside Miller’s unregistered vehicle. Further federal charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The Trump campaign has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. Trump’s choice to hold a rally in California, a state with a significant Democratic presence, surprised political analysts. However, despite the heat reaching almost 100°F (38°C), the event saw a large turnout.
