A Nevada man with a shotgun, loaded handgun and ammunition in his vehicle was arrested at a security checkpoint outside Donald Trump’s rally Saturday night in the desert of southern California, authorities said Sunday.
He was released on Saturday on bail of US$5,000 (C$6,900).
Former President Trump was not in danger
said they believe the secret services, whose task is to protect the president and his predecessors, in a joint statement with the FBI and the office of the Department of Justice.
This announcement comes after two assassination attempts against the former Republican president and candidate for the White House in recent months and at a time when he is pleading for more resources to be devoted to his security.
The suspect, a 49-year-old Las Vegas resident named Vem Miller, was driving a SUV black when he was arrested by officers assigned to the rally in Coachellaeast of Los Angeles, the County Sheriff’s Department said Riverside in a press release.
A third attempt probably
dodged, according to a sheriff
The man was arrested before Donald Trump arrived on scene with multiple passports under different names, an unregistered vehicle with a false license plate and loaded firearms
specified the sheriff of the county of RiversideChad Bianco, during a press conference.
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Despite the arrest occurring very close to the Republican rally, the incident had no impact on the safety of those present at the rally, police said.
Photo : Reuters / Mike Blake
This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or rally attendees.
There’s absolutely no way any of us knew what was going through his head
he added. But if you asked me right now, I would tell you that my agents probably prevented the third assassination attempt
against Donald Trump, said this elected official, known for his support for the ex-president.
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Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco provides an update on the incident that occurred near the Republican rally on October 13, 2024.
Photo : Reuters
The FBIthe Secret Service and the Justice Department said in their statement that the investigation is continuing.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 2, 2025, according to online records.
Media representatives as well as VIP ticket holders were directed through a number of intersections patrolled by state and local law enforcement officers before arriving at a large grassy area where Drivers were asked to open the hoods and trunks. Each vehicle was searched by an officer accompanied by a dog.
Other general ticket holders were directed to a site approximately 5km from the rally, where they were put on buses and taken to the site.
Donald Trump’s campaign team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the arrest.
With information from Agence France-Presse and Associated Press
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