A Trump supporter carrying a shotgun and loaded handgun was briefly detained near a Trump rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday. Identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller, the man was intercepted at a security checkpoint where police found a “high-capacity magazine,” fake license plates, and multiple IDs in his vehicle. He was later released on $5,000 bail after being charged with misdemeanor weapons violations.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco called Miller a “lunatic” and suggested his officers might have thwarted a third assassination attempt on Trump, though he admitted proving intent would be challenging. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that Trump’s safety was not compromised.
Although Miller denied any intent to harm Trump, he did acknowledge he habitually traveled with firearms. Sheriff Bianco further noted that Miller, a known member of the far-right “Sovereign Citizens” group, had declared himself outside of government jurisdiction.
Despite his arrest, Miller’s social media activity suggests he is a vocal Trump supporter and right-wing activist. His online presence includes extensive content supporting Trump and criticism of Democrats, often accompanied by conspiracy theories and anti-government rhetoric. Federal authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, although no federal charges have been filed at this time.
The incident underscores heightened tensions and security risks in the lead-up to the U.S. election, particularly with previous assassination attempts on Trump fresh in mind.
