Police in California arrested a man for illegal possession of firearms outside a rally for former President Donald Trump on Saturday. The incident occurred in Riverside County, where Trump was holding an event as part of his campaign. While Trump has faced previous threats on his life, authorities confirmed that the arrest did not impact the safety of the former president or attendees at the rally.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, officers stopped a black SUV at a checkpoint near the intersection of Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive. “The male driver, identified as Vem Miller, a 49-year-old resident of Las Vegas, was found to be illegally in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine,” police stated.
Miller was arrested without incident and taken to the John J. Benoit Detention Center, where he was booked for possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine. The arrest follows heightened security concerns around Trump’s public appearances. Several months ago, an attempt on Trump’s life was thwarted in Pennsylvania, and another individual was arrested for allegedly planning an attack in Florida.
However, authorities were quick to assure the public that this latest incident did not pose a direct threat to Trump or the rally’s attendees. “This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event,” the Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement, emphasizing that the situation was contained and handled swiftly.
Miller, according to Nevada state records, is a Republican politician. The details surrounding his intentions at the rally remain unclear, but the incident underscores the ongoing security challenges at high-profile political events. As Trump continues his campaign, his rallies have drawn large crowds and significant law enforcement presence. The arrest of Miller, although not linked to an immediate threat, highlights the increased vigilance required to ensure the safety of both the former president and the public at these gatherings.