Arrest Near Coachella Rally
In a significant security breach, a man carrying a shotgun and a loaded handgun was apprehended by sheriff’s deputies near a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California. The Riverside County sheriff’s office confirmed the arrest on Sunday.
The Secret Service, tasked with safeguarding presidential candidates, stated that neither Donald Trump nor the rally attendees were in any danger during the incident. “While no federal arrest has been made at this time, the investigation is ongoing,” the agency noted in a joint statement with the FBI and the US Attorney’s office.
Details of the arrest
The suspect, identified as Vem Miller, 49, from Las Vegas, was released on bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on January 2. Deputies arrested Miller at a checkpoint near the rally as he arrived in a black SUV. He was charged with possessing a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.
This incident follows two recent assassination attempts on Trump—one in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear, and another foiled attempt at his Florida golf course.
Sheriff’s comments
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a supporter of Trump who also spoke at the rally, commented on the arrest: “If you’re asking me right now, I probably did have deputies that prevented the third assassination attempt.” Bianco revealed that Miller had multiple passports and IDs with different names in his unregistered vehicle, indicating further federal charges might follow.
Rally amid high temperatures
Despite the intense heat, Trump’s rally drew a large crowd, surprising analysts given California’s Democratic leanings. Coachella, famous for its annual music festival, served as an unexpected backdrop for the political gathering.
The Trump campaign has yet to comment on the incident.