A 49-year-old man, Vem Miller, was arrested near a rally for former President Donald Trump in Coachella, California, on Saturday, after police found him in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. The incident occurred at a security checkpoint outside the rally, where Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies stopped Miller’s black SUV.
Upon inspection, officers found the firearms, along with multiple passports and driver’s licenses bearing different names. The vehicle’s license plate was described as homemade and unregistered, which raised suspicions about Miller’s intentions.
No Immediate Threat to Trump or Rally Attendees
The U.S. Secret Service and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco emphasized that Donald Trump and the attendees of the rally were never in any immediate danger. The incident did not affect the security protocols in place for the event. Sheriff Bianco, a Republican and supporter of Trump, stated that although Miller exhibited erratic behavior, there was no concrete evidence to prove an assassination attempt, despite some suspicions.
Miller’s Release and Charges
Miller was charged with two misdemeanor weapons offenses and was released on $5,000 bail. Federal authorities have not filed additional charges, though investigations are ongoing. Miller claimed in media interviews that he was a Trump supporter and had no intention of harming the former president. He stated that he regularly carried firearms in his vehicle but had never used them.
Despite the concerns raised by his arrest, Miller maintained that he was “shocked” by the accusations and denied any involvement with anti-government movements such as Sovereign Citizens, despite the sheriff’s comments linking his vehicle to such groups.
An Ongoing Investigation
The federal investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident. While Miller’s online activity shows strong support for Trump and far-right conspiracy theories, his intentions at the rally remain unclear. Federal authorities are still determining whether additional charges will be pursued.
This incident highlights the elevated security risks surrounding public events involving Donald Trump, especially in the weeks leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
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