A 49-year-old man, Vem Miller, was arrested on Saturday near a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, for the illegal possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine, according to police reports. Miller, who was driving a black SUV, was stopped at a security checkpoint, where deputies discovered the firearms.
Arrest and Charges
After his arrest, Miller was taken into custody without incident and charged with two misdemeanors related to the possession of the loaded firearms and the high-capacity magazine. Although he was booked, Miller was later released on a $5,000 bail.
Security Unaffected
Despite the presence of firearms, the US Secret Service confirmed that Trump was never in any danger. They added that the incident did not disrupt the security operations around the event. However, federal authorities are continuing to investigate the matter, and no additional charges have been filed at this time.
Speculation of Assassination Attempt
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco speculated that the arrest might have prevented a third assassination attempt on Trump. However, he also admitted that proving this intent could be difficult, as there are still many unanswered questions about Miller’s motives.
Discovery of Suspicious Items
Moreover, authorities found several suspicious items inside Miller’s vehicle, including fake license plates, multiple passports, and driving licenses. Sheriff Bianco linked these findings to the far-right group Sovereign Citizens, though it has not been confirmed whether Miller is a member.
Continued Investigation
Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and the US Attorney’s Office, are aware of the arrest and praised local deputies for their work in maintaining the safety of the rally.
Increased Concerns Over Trump’s Security
This incident comes amid heightened concerns over Trump’s security, with two alleged assassination attempts occurring earlier this year. As investigations continue, authorities have yet to file additional charges, leaving some questions about the suspect’s intentions unanswered.
