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Las Vegas Man Arrested with Illegal Firearms Near Trump Rally in Coachella

A Las Vegas man was arrested with illegal firearms near former President Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella, California. While local authorities suggested the possibility of a thwarted assassination attempt, federal agencies are continuing the investigation without confirming such claims.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump appears on screen as he speaks at a rally at the Calhoun Ranch on Oct. 12, 2024, in Coachella, California. | Alex Brandon/AP

Man Arrested With Illegal Firearms Near Trump Rally in Coachella

A 49-year-old Las Vegas man, Vem Miller, was arrested outside former President Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday night. The arrest occurred at a checkpoint after authorities discovered Miller in possession of two loaded firearms. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the arrest, which took place before Trump’s arrival.

Discovery of Firearms and Fake Identification

According to Sheriff Chad Bianco, Miller was found with a shotgun, a handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. Further investigation revealed that Miller was driving an unregistered black SUV with a fake, handmade license plate. Deputies also found fake driver’s licenses and passports under different names. The Sheriff emphasized that Miller was arrested on state firearms charges.

Possibility of an Assassination Attempt

During a press conference on Sunday, Sheriff Bianco suggested that deputies might have prevented a possible assassination attempt, though he stopped short of making definitive claims. “I truly do believe that we prevented another assassination attempt,” Bianco stated, while acknowledging that such a charge would need to be handled at the federal level.

Federal Investigation Underway

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and Secret Service have been involved in the investigation. While no federal charges have been filed yet, the Secret Service released a statement confirming that the incident did not impact Trump’s safety. Federal authorities are still assessing the situation, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Sheriff Bianco’s Response and Attendance at the Rally

Bianco addressed reporters’ questions about Miller’s claims of being a Trump supporter. He dismissed any political affiliations, calling the situation unrelated to politics. Bianco, who attended the rally with his family, received a mention from Trump during the event.

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