California — A man was arrested outside former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday after security officers found him in possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, and several fake passports, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s officials.
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The arrest occurred at a routine security checkpoint managed by local deputies. Authorities found the man, identified as Vem Miller, a 49-year-old Las Vegas resident, traveling with a loaded shotgun, a handgun, various rounds of ammunition, and multiple fake passports, along with driver’s licenses under different aliases. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported that Miller was driving an unregistered SUV with “homemade” license plates, which raised suspicion.
Trump Not in Danger
The U.S. Secret Service issued a statement on Sunday, clarifying that the incident did not impact Trump’s safety, as he had not yet arrived at the rally, and there were no threats made against the former president. The agency confirmed that protective operations were unaffected, and at no point was Trump in danger.
Upon his arrest, Miller made no threats directed at Trump, and sources told media that federal investigators found no materials suggesting any intent to target Trump. On social media, there are indications that Miller supports Trump and was present at the Republican National Convention (RNC), according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Claimed to Be Press
Miller allegedly attempted to pass through the outer security perimeter by claiming to be a member of the press. However, the incident occurred at an inner checkpoint controlled by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, which could only be accessed by residents and individuals with proper credentials, according to Sheriff Chad Bianco.
While verifying his credentials, officials discovered the disorganized state of Miller’s vehicle, leading to a search that uncovered the firearms, ammunition, and fake documents. Investigators noted signs that Miller may be affiliated with the Sovereign Citizen movement, a fringe antigovernment group, Bianco said.
Charges and Investigation
Miller was arrested on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine, per a statement from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday. He was taken into custody, booked into jail, and released on $5,000 bail pending a future court appearance.
Sheriff Bianco emphasized that the arrest took place without incident and highlighted the robust security plan in place for the event, referencing previous threats against Trump, including an attempted assassination at his Palm Beach golf course in Florida and a shooting at a July rally in Pennsylvania.
The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI and Secret Service assisting the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Any additional charges stemming from the incident could come from federal authorities. In a joint statement on X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, and FBI expressed their gratitude to local law enforcement for their role in ensuring the safety of the event.
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