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Politics

Man Arrested Near Trump Rally in California with Loaded Guns and Fake Credentials

Monday 14 - 08:00

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A man carrying firearms and false press and VIP passes was arrested by law enforcement at a Donald Trump campaign rally in California on Saturday, according to authorities. The suspect, Vem Miller, a resident of Las Vegas, was apprehended at a checkpoint approximately half a mile from the event's entrance in Coachella Valley, moments before the rally began.

Armed Suspect Apprehended

Miller, 44, was found with a loaded shotgun, a handgun, and a high-capacity magazine, raising concerns among law enforcement. He is believed to have ties to a right-wing anti-government group, police stated in a briefing on Sunday. According to Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Miller was arrested for carrying a loaded firearm and possessing a high-capacity magazine. He was released on $5,000 bail later the same day.

Sheriff Chad Bianco speculated during a Sunday press conference that Miller may have intended to harm the former president, although this has not been confirmed. "He was in possession of multiple passports with different identities, an unregistered vehicle with fake license plates, and loaded firearms," Bianco said, emphasizing that the situation remains under investigation. However, the sheriff admitted that this was "speculation" and that further evidence would need to substantiate any serious allegations.

Trump and Attendees Were Safe

Authorities have assured the public that the incident did not affect the safety of Donald Trump or those attending the rally. "The incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or the attendees," the Riverside County Sheriff's Office reported in an official statement.

The U.S. Secret Service, responsible for Trump’s security detail, also issued a statement confirming that protective measures were not compromised. "The Secret Service extends its gratitude to the deputies and local partners who assisted in safeguarding last night’s event," the agency noted. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles echoed this sentiment, confirming that no federal charges have been filed yet, but an ongoing investigation is underway.

Miller Denies Allegations

In a post-arrest interview with U.S. media, Miller denied any malicious intent, claiming that he is a Trump supporter and had the firearms for self-defense. "These accusations are complete nonsense. I’m an artist, not someone who would cause violence," Miller told reporters, expressing shock at his arrest. He admitted to informing the police about the firearms in his vehicle at the checkpoint, but denied any wrongdoing.

Miller, who has a master's degree from UCLA and previously ran for the Nevada state assembly in 2022, has been identified as a so-called "sovereign citizen," according to Sheriff Bianco. This group is known for rejecting the authority of government laws and regulations unless they personally consent to them.

Past Security Incidents Involving Trump

This incident follows a series of security breaches surrounding the former president. In July, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a bullet grazed his ear during a campaign event in Pennsylvania. Another suspect was arrested in September after being discovered near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida with a rifle, later pleading not guilty.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances of Miller’s arrest. Authorities are also questioning a second individual after bomb-detecting dogs identified him as a potential threat. That person was not allowed to enter the rally, Bianco confirmed.

Miller is scheduled to appear at the Indio Larson Justice Center on January 2, 2025, according to local records. The FBI remains involved in the investigation.