Arrest at Trump Rally Armed Man with Fake Credentials Intercepted

Vem Miller Apprehended Near Coachella Valley Event

Authorities apprehended Vem Miller, a Las Vegas resident, at a campaign rally for Donald Trump in California on Saturday. Miller was stopped by police at a checkpoint about half a mile from the event entrance, where he was found armed and carrying false identifications

Miller was found with a loaded shotgun, a handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. Authorities suspect he is affiliated with a right-wing anti-government group. He was booked for possession of these firearms and later released on $5,000 bail. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office assured that the incident did not compromise the safety of former President Trump or the attendees.

Investigations Underway

The U.S. Secret Service confirmed their awareness of the situation, stating, “The incident did not impact protective operations.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles also noted that while no federal arrest had been made, an investigation is ongoing.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco speculated that Miller may have had malicious intentions, citing the presence of multiple passports with different names and an unregistered vehicle with a fake license plate. However, he acknowledged this was speculative.

Miller’s Defense and Background

In response to the allegations, Miller claimed he was a Trump supporter who had purchased the firearms for his own safety. He expressed surprise at his arrest and insisted, “These accusations are complete bullshit. I’m an artist; I’m the last person that would cause any violence.”

Miller holds a master’s degree from UCLA and ran for the Nevada state assembly in 2022. Sheriff Bianco described him as a self-identified “sovereign citizen,” a group that rejects government authority.

Security Measures in Place

The sheriff emphasized that local security measures were effective, stating that Miller’s identification raised sufficient suspicion to warrant police intervention. This incident follows previous threats against Trump, including an assassination attempt in July.

Continued Vigilance

Authorities continue to monitor potential threats, with the FBI questioning another individual deemed suspicious near the rally. Miller is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, 2025, as investigations continue.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about security at political events, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of rising tensions and potential threats.