
A potential third assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was thwarted when an armed man was arrested outside a rally in California’s Coachella Valley.
At a Glance
- Vem Miller, a Las Vegas man, was arrested with guns and fake IDs near Trump’s rally
- Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco claims the arrest prevented a third assassination attempt
- Miller was found with a shotgun, loaded handgun, high-capacity magazine, and fake passports
- Federal agencies do not believe Miller intended to assassinate Trump
- The incident highlights ongoing security challenges at political events
Arrest Made Near Trump Rally
In a startling development that underscores the heightened security concerns surrounding political figures, law enforcement officials arrested an armed man near former President Donald Trump’s rally in California’s Coachella Valley. The incident, which authorities are treating with utmost seriousness, marks what some believe to be the third thwarted attempt on Trump’s life in recent months.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco revealed that the suspect, identified as Vem Miller from Las Vegas, was apprehended at a checkpoint approximately a quarter mile from the rally venue. The arrest has raised alarm bells about the ongoing threats faced by political figures and the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety.
Suspect’s Arsenal and Motives
According to Sheriff Bianco, Miller was found in possession of a concerning array of items, including a shotgun, a loaded handgun, a high-capacity magazine, and fake passports and driver’s licenses. These discoveries have led to speculation about the suspect’s intentions and potential threat level.
“I truly do believe we prevented another assassination attempt,” Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco told reporters Sunday, a day after suspect Vem Miller was arrested at a checkpoint outside Trump’s rally in Coachella Valley.
However, it’s important to note that federal agencies, including the Secret Service and FBI, have expressed doubt about Miller’s alleged intent to assassinate Trump. This discrepancy highlights the complex nature of threat assessment and the challenges faced by law enforcement in such high-stakes situations.
Suspect’s Background and Claims
Further investigation into Miller’s background has revealed intriguing details. He is reportedly associated with the sovereign citizens movement, a far-right anti-government group known for its rejection of federal authority. Miller also has a history of legal issues and even ran for Nevada State Assembly in 2022, adding layers of complexity to his profile.
“These accusations are complete bull—t,” Miller said. “I’m an artist, I’m the last person that would cause any violence and harm to anybody.”
In his defense, Miller claims to be a Trump supporter and states that he informed police about the guns in his trunk for his own safety. He asserts that he had a special invitation to the rally as a Trump caucus captain and denies any intent to harm the former president. Miller also runs The America Happens Network, which criticizes mainstream media and government overreach.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures
The FBI, Secret Service, and Sheriff’s Department are continuing their investigation into the incident. Despite the arrest, Miller was released on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, 2025. This development has raised questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols and bail procedures in cases involving potential threats to high-profile political figures.
“The US Secret Service assesses that the incident did not impact protective operations and former President Trump was not in any danger,” the agency and the FBI said in a joint statement. “While no federal arrest has been made at this time, the investigation is ongoing.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by political leaders and the importance of robust security measures at public events. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of public figures and attendees at political gatherings.
Sources:
- https://nypost.com/2024/10/13/us-news/third-trump-assassination-attempt-thwarted-when-armed-man-arrested-outside-coachella-rally-sheriff-says/
- https://www.dailynews.com/2024/10/13/las-vegas-man-found-with-loaded-firearm-high-capacity-magazine-near-trump-rally-in-coachella-valley/
- https://medium.com/%40whalecrypto/third-assassination-attempt-on-trump-foiled-security-thwarts-potential-attack-at-california-rally-5cc4afeabaaa
- https://www.denverpost.com/2024/10/13/las-vegas-man-found-with-loaded-firearm-high-capacity-magazine-near-trump-rally-in-coachella-valley/
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-third-asassination-attempt-coachella-secret-service-b2628767.html
- https://www.axios.com/2024/10/13/trump-coachella-rally-man-arrested-gun-charges
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/13/us/politics/trump-rally-arrest-coachella.html
- https://www.nationalreview.com/news/possible-third-assassination-attempt-against-trump-thwarted-at-coachella-rally-sheriff-says/
- https://ktla.com/news/california/man-arrested-outside-of-trumps-southern-california-rally-illegally-possessed-multiple-guns-authorities-say/
- https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/police-thwart-this-possible-trump-assassination-attempt-tff0g8r6l