Trump was not in danger, feds say after man arrested on gun charges outside Coachella rally
LOS ANGELES - The investigation continues Monday after a man was arrested on gun charges over the weekend outside a rally in Coachella for former President Donald Trump.
The suspect, 49-year-old Vem Miller of Las Vegas, was arrested after he was found in possession of a shotgun, loaded handgun, ammunition, and several fake passports in his vehicle at a security checkpoint.
Miller was driving an unregistered black SUV with a "homemade" license plate, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said during a press conference Sunday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Possible third Trump assassination attempt thwarted in Coachella, Riverside County sheriff says
Miller allegedly claimed to be a journalist, but it was unclear if he had the proper credentials.
"The license plate was what we in law enforcement would recognize as one that is homemade and indicative of a group of individuals that claim to be ‘sovereign citizens,'" Bianco said. "We, and assuming the deputy, assumes that he [Miller] was part of that identifying group."
The man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine, the department said.
"This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event," a statement from the Trump campaign Saturday read. Trump had not yet arrived at the rally at the time of the incident.
"The U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, and FBI extend their gratitude to the deputies and local partners who helped ensure the safety of last night’s events."
Vem Miller considers suing Riverside County over arrest at Trump rally
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department says it thwarted a potential assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump on Saturday after a man armed with several firearms and ammunition was arrested outside a Trump rally in Coachella. But now, the man arrested, 49-year-old Vem Miller of Las Vegas said he was shocked by the allegations because he's a Trump supporter and had the guns for his protection. Miller says he's considering a lawsuit against Riverside County. Sheriff Chad Bianco spoke to FOX 11 about the incident.
The sheriff's department said it thwarted another Trump assassination attempt.
However, Miller is now threatening to sue the county. Miller told the Los Angeles Times on Monday he brought his two guns to the rally for self-protection following reported death threats. He added he is a Trump supporter and had no intentions to hurt the former president.
"I'm not quite sure what he's going to sue about. He showed up to a Trump rally at a secondary checkpoint with an unregistered vehicle, with fake license plates, multiple IDs, and guns. We arrested him for those. He can sue whatever he wants. He made a lot of allegations against our deputy. I'm very proud of our deputies, but this one in particular is probably one of the nicest men you'll ever meet in your life. He's going to have a hard time proving how rude he was if he wants to get in court," Banco told FOX 11.
He added that Miller was forthcoming about having guns in his possession when asked by the deputy.
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Miler was released the same day on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 2, 2025.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.