A man illegally possessing a handgun and a loaded revolver was arrested by deputies tasked with protecting a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday, Oct. 13.
Deputies manning a checkpoint near the rally stopped 49-year-old Vem Miller of Las Vegas as he approached in a black SUV.
He was later transported to a local detention center on charges of possessing a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.
“This incident did not affect the safety of former President Trump or those attending the event,” the statement said.
The sheriff’s office also offered no immediate information on Miller’s intentions. He was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 2.
However, after two assassination attempts — one in Pennsylvania, in which a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, and a second failed attempt at his Florida golf course — the arrest raised concerns.
There was no immediate comment from either the Trump campaign or the U.S. Secret Service, which is charged with protecting top officials and candidates.
The sheriff’s office said it would provide additional details at a briefing later Sunday. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco addressed Trump supporters at Saturday’s Coachella rally.
Trump’s decision to hold a rally in California surprised political analysts, who note that the state is overwhelmingly Democratic, but it drew a large crowd even with temperatures near 100 degrees.
Coachella is known for its annual music festival.
