A man was arrested near a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, for possessing a shotgun and a loaded handgun illegally. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller, was stopped at a security checkpoint while driving a black SUV. Law enforcement found the firearms and a high-capacity magazine in his vehicle. He was apprehended without incident by the Riverside County Sheriff’s office but was later released. Miller stated that he is a Trump supporter and had no intention of harming the former president. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that Trump was not in danger during the incident, and it did not disrupt security operations.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco remarked that the encounter did not compromise the safety of Trump or his supporters at the rally. He expressed a belief that officers had potentially thwarted a third assassination attempt but acknowledged that it was uncertain what Miller’s true intentions were. The sheriff characterized Miller as “a lunatic” and is known to be a Republican who supports Trump, even acting as a surrogate for the campaign. Following his arrest, Miller expressed shock and denied any claims of planning to harm Trump. He mentioned to Fox News that he routinely travels with firearms but had never used them. He was charged with two misdemeanor weapons offenses and released on $5,000 bail, with no federal charges currently filed.
During a press briefing, Sheriff Bianco detailed the circumstances leading to Miller’s arrest. Initially, Miller appeared to comply with regulations as he approached the rally area. However, irregularities emerged, such as a homemade license plate and disorganized vehicle interior. Authorities found multiple passports and licenses tied to different identities in his car. Bianco noted that the homemade license plate suggested associations with the Sovereign Citizens movement, an anti-government group, which Miller denied being part of.
This incident sheds light on the heightened security measures surrounding Trump, especially in light of earlier alleged assassination attempts this year. Last week, Trump held a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a sniper had previously targeted him, resulting in one casualty. Miller’s arrest adds to a growing concern, following an incident in September involving a man hiding near the Trump International Golf Club with a rifle.
Miller’s online presence suggests he is an active right-wing supporter, sharing content that aligns with conservative views and conspiracy theories. He has multiple social media profiles and engages with various right-wing groups. His posts indicate involvement in pro-Trump events and an opposition to Democrats, as well as promoting violent rhetoric against them regarding their political actions.