A man was arrested at a security checkpoint near a Trump rally on Saturday, and new details about the incident have emerged. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco expressed his belief that the sheriff’s department may have thwarted an assassination attempt, although he noted that this assessment was largely speculative.
The arrested individual faces charges related to firearms after authorities discovered that he was in possession of loaded guns, several passports, and a fake license plate. He was released on bail shortly after the incident, according to jail records. A federal investigation is reportedly underway, as confirmed by a federal official on Sunday.
During a press conference, Sheriff Bianco revealed, “What we do know is he showed up with multiple passports with different names, an unregistered vehicle with a fake license plate and loaded firearms.” He reiterated his conviction that his department had potentially prevented a serious crime, stating, “I truly do believe that we prevented another assassination attempt.”
The suspect has been identified as Vem Miller, a 49-year-old resident of Las Vegas. He was stopped by sheriff’s deputies while driving a black SUV at around 5 PM local time on Saturday and was taken into custody without any incident. At the time of his arrest, former President Trump had not yet taken the stage for his rally.
According to jail records, Miller was released on a $5,000 bail after being charged with possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine. Despite the alarming circumstances surrounding his arrest, the sheriff’s office assured the public that the incident did not compromise the safety of Trump or the attendees at the event.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles released a statement on its website on Sunday, confirming that former President Trump was not in danger during the incident. This reassurance came from the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for the security of high-profile individuals, including former presidents.
The details surrounding the arrest have raised concerns about security at political events, especially considering the charged political atmosphere leading up to the upcoming elections. The presence of loaded firearms and multiple passports suggests a serious intent that law enforcement is taking seriously.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full scope of Miller’s actions and any potential connections to broader security threats. The swift response from law enforcement has highlighted the importance of vigilance at public events, especially those involving prominent political figures.
As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to assess both the individual motivations behind this incident and the implications for future security measures at political gatherings. The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in highly charged political environments and the need for effective law enforcement responses to ensure public safety.
