A man carrying multiple firearms was arrested Saturday outside a rally for former President Donald Trump in California’s Coachella Valley, authorities said.
Vem Miller, 49, of Las Vegas, was taken into custody after deputies found him in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department press release.
The arrest occurred at 4:59 p.m. at a checkpoint near Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive, about half a mile from the rally entrance. Miller was driving a black SUV when he was stopped.
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump walks onstage for a campaign rally on October 12, 2024 in Coachella, California. With 24 days to go until election day, former President Donald Trump is detouring from swing states to hold the rally in Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris’ home state. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco made a startling claim following the arrest. “We probably stopped another assassination attempt,” Bianco said.
Authorities reported that Miller was carrying fake press and VIP passes, suggesting a possible attempt to gain closer access to the event.
He was booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center on charges of possessing a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.
Investigators are urging anyone with information about the case to contact Deputy Coronado at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station.
Newsweek contacted the Riverside Sheriff’s Office via email on Sunday for comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information is provided.
