A man was arrested near a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, after being found in possession of two firearms and several fake passports. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller, was stopped by deputies at a security checkpoint while driving a black SUV. Authorities discovered a loaded shotgun and a handgun, as well as a high-capacity magazine.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that Trump was “not in any danger” during the incident and that it did not affect security measures at the rally. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco described Miller as a “lunatic” but also noted that it was difficult to ascertain his intentions. Although the sheriff believed his officers had potentially thwarted a third assassination attempt, a federal law enforcement official stated there was no evidence to support this theory.
Miller has been charged with two misdemeanor weapon offenses and subsequently released on a $5,000 bail. Currently, no federal charges have been filed against him. During a news conference, Sheriff Bianco indicated that Miller exhibited suspicious behavior as he entered closer to the rally location, revealing a homemade license plate and an interior of the SUV that appeared disorganized.
In the vehicle, authorities found multiple passports and licenses under various names. The sheriff mentioned that Miller claimed to be associated with the far-right group known as Sovereign Citizens, a movement characterized by its members’ rejection of government authority. Bianco clarified that while the group does not follow laws or government regulations, he had not definitively linked Miller as a member.