Federal officials have stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that a man arrested on gun charges near Donald Trump’s rally in California was attempting to assassinate the former president. The US Secret Service, in a joint statement with the FBI and Justice Department, confirmed that Trump was not in any danger during the rally. The man, identified as Vem Miller of Las Vegas, was found in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine, despite being illegally in possession of firearms.
Authorities discovered irregularities in Miller’s vehicle when he reached the second security perimeter near the rally site in Coachella, including the interior being in disarray, an unregistered vehicle, and a fake license plate. Miller also had multiple driver’s licenses and passports with different names, raising suspicions about his intentions. He claimed to be a journalist to gain entry to the rally, but it remains unclear why he was in the area. Miller was taken into custody before the rally and charged with firearms offenses, but was later released on a $5,000 bail.
The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Justice Department have stated that the incident had no impact on protective operations, and Trump was not at risk during the rally. While no federal arrest has been made as of now, the investigation is ongoing. The agencies involved have expressed gratitude to local law enforcement for ensuring the safety of the event. The Trump campaign also thanked law enforcement for securing the rally site and ensuring the safety of the former president, while monitoring the situation and gathering more information about the incident.
Authorities expect Miller to appear in court on January 2, according to jail records. Efforts by CNN to reach out to Miller for comment have not been successful. The incident is still under investigation, and the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Justice Department are continuing to work with local partners to ensure the safety of future events. The Trump campaign is staying updated on the situation and gathering more information as it develops. This story has been updated with additional details, and CNN reporters have contributed to the report with their coverage.
