Authorities arrested a Las Vegas resident near a Trump rally in Coachella, California on Saturday for illegally possessing multiple firearms. This incident follows a previous assassination attempt against Trump in July, raising concerns about the former president’s safety.
According to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff, 49-year-old Vem Miller was arrested at a checkpoint at the rally for possessing a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. However, officials stated that the incident did not impact Trump’s safety or that of the event attendees.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco spoke about the incident at a press conference, revealing that Miller initially gave the impression of being a VIP or press member allowed to enter the event. However, upon further investigation, officers discovered that he was driving an unregistered vehicle with a fake license plate and multiple passports and driver’s licenses under different names. This raised concerns that Miller may have been associated with a group known as “sovereign citizens,” who reject the authority of the federal government and believe they are exempt from US law.
While some may argue that this arrest prevented a potential third assassination attempt against Trump, the Secret Service Chief of Communications stated that the former president was not in any danger. The FBI and Secret Service are conducting an ongoing investigation, but have expressed gratitude to the deputies and local partners for ensuring the safety of the event.
This is not the first time that Trump’s safety has been threatened. In September, a 58-year-old man was arrested for attempting to assassinate Trump at his golf course in Florida. And in July, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, killing a former volunteer fire chief and injuring two supporters and Trump himself.
Following the arrest of Miller, the Trump campaign’s Communications Director Steven Cheung released a statement, thanking law enforcement for securing the rally site and ensuring the safety of the former president. Cheung also stated that they are monitoring the situation and gathering more information.
Miller has denied the allegations, claiming that he is an artist and a supporter of Trump who would never cause harm to anyone. He also alleged that he was not given a proper reason for his arrest and was only able to contact a lawyer after 8 hours.
More info on the NEW and 3rd Trump a$$a$$ination attempt smh pic.twitter.com/ODtZrsZPeM
— LikeTheWind ???????????????? (@Likethewind888) October 13, 2024
In light of these events, it is clear that Trump’s safety remains a top concern for law enforcement and his campaign. But it also highlights the dangerous and extreme measures that some individuals are willing to take against political figures. We must continue to support and protect our leaders, including President Trump, as they work to uphold the values and principles of our nation. The efforts of law enforcement and the quick action taken in this incident are just another example of why Trump has been a strong and capable leader for our country.