Las Vegas Man Arrested Near Trump Rally in California with Loaded Firearms

International Research and News Department 14-10-2024

A man from Las Vegas, identified as Vem Miller, was taken into custody near a Donald Trump campaign rally in California while in possession of loaded firearms and fake press and VIP credentials.

Authorities stopped Miller at a checkpoint approximately half a mile from the rally’s entrance in Coachella Valley, California, shortly before the event began, according to a statement from the police on Sunday.

Officials reported that Miller had a loaded shotgun, a handgun, and a high-capacity magazine in his possession. Authorities also suspect Miller has ties to a right-wing anti-government group.

Miller was charged with carrying a loaded firearm and possessing a high-capacity magazine. He was released after posting a $5,000 bail, as per police records.

In a press release, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office assured that the incident had no impact on the safety of former President Trump or those attending the event.

The Secret Service confirmed that they were informed of the arrest, adding, “The incident did not affect protective operations. We are grateful to the deputies and local partners who assisted in ensuring the safety of the event.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles issued a statement, reiterating that Trump was never in danger. While no federal charges have been filed, they confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

During a press conference on Sunday, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco speculated that Miller may have been plotting an attack on Trump. However, he acknowledged that this was conjecture, stating, “What we do know is that he arrived with multiple passports under different names, an unregistered vehicle with a fake license plate, and loaded weapons.”

Miller later spoke to the media, claiming that he is a Trump supporter and that the guns were for his own protection. He also stated that he informed officers about the firearms at the checkpoint, describing the allegations as “completely false.” “I’m an artist, the last person who would harm anyone,” Miller said, adding that he was surprised by his arrest and had been held for about eight hours.

Miller, who holds a master’s degree from UCLA and ran for Nevada state assembly in 2022, is believed to identify as a “sovereign citizen.” This is a group of individuals who reject government authority unless they consent to it, according to Sheriff Bianco.

Bianco also mentioned that the suspicious nature of Miller’s identity documents raised concerns with rally security, prompting the investigation. “The discrepancies in his IDs alarmed the deputies,” Bianco said, as reported by the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Trump survived a previous assassination attempt in July when a bullet grazed his ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Another individual was arrested in September for allegedly attempting to assassinate Trump near his Palm Beach golf course, although the suspect pleaded not guilty.

Bianco praised the Secret Service for their cooperation, noting that they commended his department for exceeding expectations in safeguarding the event.

In a separate development, Bianco disclosed that the FBI is investigating another individual who was flagged by bomb-detection dogs as a potential threat. That individual was denied entry to the rally.

Miller is due to appear in court at the Indio Larson Justice Center on January 2, 2025, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department records.