Authorities Confirm No Threat to Trump After Arrest Near California Rally

A man was arrested on state gun charges Saturday near Donald Trump’s campaign rally in California, but federal officials, including the Secret Service, FBI, and Department of Justice, have stated that the former president was “not in any danger.”

The individual, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller from Las Vegas, was found in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. He managed to breach an initial security perimeter set up for the rally in Coachella, according to Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Once Miller reached the second perimeter, law enforcement noticed several irregularities. Bianco noted that Miller’s vehicle was unregistered and bore a fake license plate. The interior of the car was described as disorganized, raising suspicions among the authorities.

Additionally, Miller was found with multiple driver’s licenses and passports under different names. When questioned about his presence near the rally, he claimed to be a journalist attempting to gain access.

Miller was arrested before the rally commenced and charged with firearms offenses. He has since been released on a $5,000 bail. Despite attempts by CNN to reach him for comment, Miller is expected to appear in court on January 2.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Miller denied any intentions to harm Trump, asserting that he had informed authorities about his firearms at the rally checkpoint and stating, “I always travel with the weapons.” He emphasized his support for Trump, claiming to be “100% a Trump supporter.”

Miller further expressed his admiration for Trump in a video posted on his Rumble account, describing him as someone who has shown courage in standing up against perceived tyranny.

Federal officials have indicated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that Miller had plans to assassinate the former president. The ongoing investigation has not resulted in any federal arrests at this time.

The joint statement from the Secret Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and FBI thanked local law enforcement for their efforts in maintaining safety during the rally. They reassured the public that the investigation into the incident is continuing.

In light of the situation, the Trump campaign issued a statement thanking law enforcement for their role in securing the rally site and ensuring Trump’s safety. Campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung acknowledged the reports regarding the arrest and indicated that they were actively monitoring the situation and gathering additional information.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding Miller’s presence near the rally and any implications it may have for future events. Law enforcement’s prompt response highlights the importance of maintaining security at political gatherings, especially in light of past incidents that have raised concerns about the safety of public figures.

While the arrest has raised questions, both the authorities and the Trump campaign have stressed that there was no immediate threat to the former president. This incident serves as a reminder of the heightened security measures surrounding political events and the challenges posed by individuals seeking to disrupt them.