Authorities reported the arrest of a man found in unlawful possession of a shotgun and a loaded handgun at an intersection close to a rally for Donald Trump in Coachella, California, on Saturday. The individual, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller, was driving a black SUV when law enforcement officers stopped him at a security checkpoint. During the stop, officers discovered the two firearms along with a high-capacity magazine, leading to his immediate detention.
Following his arrest, Mr. Miller was taken into custody without any incidents, as confirmed by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. He was subsequently released and stated to the media that he was a supporter of Trump and had no intentions of causing harm to the Republican presidential candidate. The U.S. Secret Service also assured that Trump was not in any danger during the event and emphasized that the situation did not interfere with the ongoing protective measures in place.
Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County addressed the incident, asserting that it did not compromise the safety of either Trump or the attendees at the rally. While acknowledging the difficulty in discerning the suspect's true intentions, Sheriff Bianco expressed his belief that his officers had potentially thwarted a third assassination attempt. He characterized Mr. Miller as "a lunatic," and noted that, despite his personal political affiliations and support for Trump, it was challenging to definitively establish the suspect's motives.
Mr. Miller expressed his astonishment regarding his recent arrest in a statement to the Southern California News Group, firmly refuting allegations suggesting that he harbored intentions to harm former President Trump. His reaction underscores a sense of disbelief at the circumstances surrounding the legal actions taken against him, emphasizing his position that the accusations are unfounded and misrepresentative of his character and intentions.
In an interview with Fox News, Mr. Miller disclosed that he routinely carries firearms in his vehicle, although he clarified that he has never discharged a weapon. This statement highlights his familiarity with firearms, yet it also serves to distance himself from any violent connotations that might arise from such possession. His insistence on the non-use of firearms may be an attempt to further mitigate the severity of the situation and to assert that he poses no threat to anyone.
Following his arrest, Mr. Miller was charged with two misdemeanour weapons offenses and subsequently released on a bail amounting to $5,000 (£3,826). Notably, no federal charges have been brought against him at this time. A federal law enforcement official informed CBS News, a partner of the BBC, that there is currently no evidence to suggest that this incident is linked to any assassination attempt. Federal authorities are continuing their investigation, and any decision regarding further charges will rest with them as they assess the situation.
Sheriff says man arrested with guns near Trump rally was a 'lunatic'
In a press conference held on Sunday, Mr. Bianco provided a detailed account of the events surrounding the incident. He noted that as the suspect approached the outer perimeter near the rally site, there were no immediate signs to suggest that he was unwelcome. However, upon reaching the inner perimeter, Mr. Bianco observed a series of irregularities that raised suspicions. He pointed out that the vehicle in question displayed a counterfeit license plate and was in a state of disarray internally, which further fueled concerns regarding the suspect's intentions.
The sheriff elaborated on the findings within the vehicle, revealing the presence of multiple passports and driving licenses, all bearing different names. He emphasized that the license plate was not only homemade but also unregistered, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal the vehicle's true identity. Mr. Bianco remarked that the characteristics of the license plate suggested a connection to a group known as Sovereign Citizens, which is recognized as an anti-government movement. In response to inquiries from U.S. media, Mr. Miller refuted any affiliation with this group, asserting his independence from their ideologies.
The event, which law enforcement officials reported occurred at 16:59 local time on Saturday (00:59 GMT on Sunday), underscores the heightened security measures surrounding former President Trump and the significant threats he faces as the election approaches in just over three weeks. This incident follows two notable alleged assassination attempts earlier this year, which prompted an escalation in security protocols during his public appearances.
On the Saturday preceding Mr. Miller's arrest, Trump conducted his second rally of the year in Butler, Pennsylvania, a location that has previously been marred by violence when a sniper's shots resulted in injuries to Trump and the tragic death of an individual in the audience. Additionally, a separate incident involved a man who was apprehended outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach in September; he was discovered concealed in the bushes with the barrel of a rifle protruding from the foliage, further illustrating the serious nature of the threats directed at the former president.
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