A man carrying weapons and counterfeit press and VIP credentials was nabbed by law enforcement officers at a political gathering for Donald Trump in California this past Saturday. The individual, who authorities have named as Vem Miller, was stopped at a police-checkpoint situated roughly half a mile from the rally’s entrance in California’s Coachella Valley, shortly before the event’s commencement, according to a statement from the police on Sunday.
“We have potentially thwarted another attempt on Trump’s life,” stated Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, claiming that Miller was scheming to assassinate the former US president. Officers reported that Miller had in his possession a loaded shotgun, a handgun, high-capacity ammunition, and is suspected to be part of a right-wing, anti-government faction.
Miller, a person who possesses a master’s degree from UCLA and who made a bid for a seat in the Nevada state assembly in 2022, deems himself a ‘sovereign citizen’. This refers to individuals who reject the notion of being subjected to governmental laws without their agreement, confirmed Sheriff Bianco.
Bianco also revealed that Miller’s ID drew suspicions from the rally’s local security team. “They were distinct enough to set off the deputy’s alarm,” he stated, as per the Riverside Press-Enterprise’s report.
After being arrested for keeping a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine, Miller was let out on bail after paying $5,000, as per the official police documents.
A notice was issued by the Secret Service regarding the arrest. They said, “The occurrence had no effect on the protective procedures. The Secret Service would like to express its gratitude to the deputies and local partners who played a role in ensuring the event’s security last night.”
Sheriff Bianco admitted to the media that he hadn’t anticipated a third threat on Trump’s life, following an incident in July at a gathering in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed Trump, and a recent episode in which a man was apprehended with a rifle concealed in the bushes near Trump’s Palm Beach golf course.
“I surmised it won’t happen in Riverside County,” Bianco said. “We don’t contend with the same issues regarding harmful demonstrations and mental instability, unlike Los Angeles. We have a superior societal code. Go figure.”
US Secret Service officials commended Bianco’s department for their protection of Trump and other rally attendees, stating that their efforts exceeded expectations. Furthermore, Bianco divulged that another man is currently under FBI interrogation after bomb-sniffing dogs pinpointed him as a possible threat. This individual was prohibited from entering the rally, Bianco added.”
The Riverside County sheriff’s department inmate records reveal that Miller is set to be present at the Indio Larson Justice Centre on the 2nd of January, 2025.