Las Vegas Man Arrested at Trump’s Coachella Valley Rally for Weapons Possession
Deputies assigned to former President Donald Trump’s rally in California’s Coachella Valley arrested a 49-year-old Las Vegas man at a security checkpoint on Saturday. The suspect, identified as Vem Miller, was pulled over in a black SUV for allegedly carrying a loaded firearm, a shotgun, and a high-capacity magazine, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Suspicious Vehicle Prompts Arrest
Miller’s vehicle was stopped at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive just before Trump’s rally began. During a press conference on Sunday, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco revealed that Miller’s car displayed an “obviously fake license plate,” which drew the attention of deputies.
After searching the vehicle, officers discovered multiple firearms, including a shotgun and a loaded handgun, as well as passports and driver’s licenses under different names. The department noted that Miller was “illegally in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine.”
Security Concerns Heightened
Sheriff Bianco stated that Miller initially appeared authorized to attend the rally, but further inspection revealed the suspicious homemade license plate. This type of license plate is often associated with sovereign citizen movements, a group known for anti-government beliefs. These red flags prompted deputies to take action.
“The license plate and the disarray inside the vehicle led us to investigate further,” Bianco explained. Miller was arrested and later booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center on charges related to firearm possession and the high-capacity magazine.
No Immediate Threat to Trump, Federal Authorities Say
While the Riverside County Sheriff suggested that a potential assassination attempt may have been thwarted, federal authorities downplayed the threat. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Secret Service released a joint statement confirming that former President Trump was never in immediate danger.
“There was no indication of an assassination attempt connected to this incident,” a federal official clarified. Miller was charged with misdemeanor weapons violations and released. No federal charges have been filed, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Recent Incidents Raise Alarm
This arrest follows two recent assassination attempts against Trump. In July, a gunman opened fire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, injuring Trump when a bullet grazed his ear. Secret Service snipers shot and killed the attacker. Earlier this month, another individual was arrested near Trump’s Florida golf course with an AK-47-style weapon. That man, Ryan Wesley Routh, faces charges of attempted assassination.
Investigation Ongoing
Sheriff Bianco confirmed his department’s proactive collaboration with the FBI and Secret Service to further investigate Miller’s actions. “We continue to work with federal agencies to ensure the safety of the public and those attending these rallies,” Bianco added.
The U.S. Secret Service reiterated that protective measures were not compromised. For additional information, anyone with relevant details is urged to contact Deputy Coronado at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at (760) 836–1600.