Man arrested with firearms near Trump rally in California
A man illegally carrying a shotgun and loaded handgun was arrested near a rally for Donald Trump in Coachella, California, on Saturday, according to local police.
The 49-year-old suspect, identified as Vem Miller, was driving a black SUV when deputies stopped him at a security checkpoint. During the stop, officers discovered two firearms and a “high-capacity magazine” inside the vehicle.
Riverside County Sheriff’s office reported that Miller was taken into custody without incident and later charged with possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine. He was released after posting a $5,000 bail. Despite his release, many details surrounding the arrest remain unclear.
Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County refrained from speculating on the suspect’s intentions but expressed his belief that officers had possibly thwarted what could have been a third assassination attempt.
The US Secret Service confirmed that Donald Trump was never in danger and that the incident did not interfere with security operations.
Although no federal charges have been filed, a local sheriff referred to Miller as a “lunatic,” assuring the public that the rally’s safety was never compromised.