A man was arrested at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Southern California. He was found with multiple guns that were illegally in his possession, according to authorities.
The arrest took place at a checkpoint in Coachella at 4:59 p.m. on Saturday, just before the rally was scheduled to start at 5 p.m. The man, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller of Las Vegas, was driving a black SUV and found to have a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine.
Miller was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine. He was later released on $5,000 bail from the detention center.
The incident did not impact the safety of rally attendees or the former President, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Details about where the guns were located in the SUV were not immediately provided.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Trump supporter, suggested that the incident may have been a third assassination attempt on the former President. Miller reportedly presented fake VIP and press passes at the checkpoint, prompting the search.
Miller, a registered Republican who previously filed to run for Nevada’s state assembly, has not received any public comments from Trump as of Sunday afternoon.
This arrest adds to a series of violent attempts against Trump during the heated election cycle. In July, he was grazed by a bullet fired by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was then shot and killed by the Secret Service. Another individual, Ryan Wesley Routh, is facing gun charges for allegedly planning to take a shot at Trump near a Florida golf course in September.
It is crucial for law enforcement to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of political events and public figures, especially during times of heightened tensions and security risks. These incidents underscore the importance of thorough security measures and the dedication of authorities to prevent potential harm or threats to individuals in the public eye.
