Law enforcement officials reported that deputies assigned to former President Donald Trump’s rally engaged with a driver of a black SUV at a checkpoint around 5 PM on Saturday. The driver, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller from Las Vegas, was subsequently taken into custody.
Authorities discovered that Miller was in unlawful possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. Following his arrest, Miller was released later that evening after posting a $5,000 bail. The rally took place at Calhoun Ranch in Riverside County, located just outside Coachella.
A Nevada man was arrested Saturday night after authorities discovered a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and ammunition in his vehicle at a security checkpoint outside former President Donald Trump’s rally in Southern California’s desert region. The suspect, identified as a 49-year-old resident of Las Vegas, was stopped by deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as part of security operations near the rally site in Coachella, just east of Los Angeles.
The man was driving a black SUV when he was apprehended, and deputies found the weapons after a search of the vehicle. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement on Sunday confirming the arrest, citing the individual’s alleged possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.
Safety Concerns and Release on Bail
Despite the incident, authorities assured the public that there was no threat to the safety of former President Trump or any of the attendees at the rally. “This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event,” the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department emphasized in their statement.
The suspect was released later that evening after posting $5,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, 2025, where he will face charges related to the possession of the weapons. Online court records reflect the pending case, but additional details about the individual’s motives or intentions have not yet been disclosed.
Security Measures at Trump Rally
Heightened security was in place for the event, given the high-profile nature of the rally and the increasing concerns over political gatherings. Media personnel and VIP ticket holders were subjected to a series of stringent security checks, which involved multiple checkpoints and searches by law enforcement officers. Vehicles entering the rally site were stopped at intersections manned by state and local officers. Drivers were required to open their hoods and trunks, and K-9 units conducted thorough inspections of each vehicle.
General attendees who purchased regular tickets were routed to a separate site located approximately three miles away from the rally. From there, they were transported by bus to the event grounds, ensuring a controlled environment for the crowd. This extensive security network was put in place to minimize any potential risks.
No Immediate Response from Trump’s Campaign
As of Sunday, there has been no official comment from Donald Trump’s campaign regarding the arrest or the security breach. It remains unclear if Trump or his team were made aware of the incident during the rally. The event in Coachella was part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to engage supporters across the country as he continues his campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
Sheriff’s Department to Address the Incident
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is expected to hold a news conference to provide further details regarding the arrest and security efforts surrounding the rally. The department’s handling of the situation will likely be a focal point as concerns about political rally security grow, particularly in light of past incidents involving armed individuals at political events.
With growing scrutiny on security at large political gatherings, law enforcement agencies continue to adopt a proactive stance, ensuring such events remain safe for both attendees and the public figures involved. The arrest highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety in increasingly polarized political environments.
