An armed man was arrested outside former President Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday evening.
The individual, identified as 49-year-old Las Vegas resident Vem Miller, was found in possession of multiple firearms and a high-capacity magazine at a security checkpoint near the event venue.
According to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies assigned to the rally approached Miller at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive around 4:59 p.m.
Miller was found to be illegally carrying a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. He was taken into custody without incident and later booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center on charges of possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine.
“This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Sheriff Chad Bianco told the Southern California News Group that Miller also possessed fake VIP and press badges. “We probably stopped another assassination attempt,” Bianco said. Miller was released on $5,000 bail shortly after his arrest.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Miller denied any intent to harm the former president, asserting that he is a devoted supporter of Trump.
“Yes, I’m 100% a Trump supporter,” Miller said, adding that he has been “all-in” since 2018.
Miller explained that he always travels with firearms due to death threats he has received in his line of work as a media professional.
“I always travel around with my firearms in the back of my truck,” Miller stated. “I’ve literally never even shot a gun in my life. I don’t know anything about guns. I am beyond a novice.”
He claimed that he informed authorities about the weapons at the checkpoint and that the documents found in his possession were legitimate. “None of those are fake,” he said regarding the passes and IDs.
Miller, who is of Armenian descent, mentioned that he carries different forms of identification using variations of his name for safety reasons when traveling internationally.
He also refuted allegations of being associated with extremist groups. “That’s a nonsensical statement,” he said in response to suggestions that he is part of the “sovereign citizens” movement or other anti-government organizations. “They’re saying that I’m part of these right-wing anti-government groups? Why aren’t they naming these groups? Because it doesn’t exist.”
A source close to the Trump campaign told Fox News that they do not believe Miller intended to assassinate the former president.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts. “We thank law enforcement for securing the rally site and helping ensure the safety of President Trump. We are aware of news reports about the arrest and are currently monitoring the situation and gathering more information,” the statement read.
Miller is a 30-year veteran of the media industry, having worked on music videos and television shows with major artists. He launched the America Happens Network to combat what he perceives as censorship in the media.
Initially a Democrat who supported Barack Obama, Miller’s political views shifted over the years. “I’m certainly more Republican now,” he said, describing himself as libertarian-leaning.
This incident follows two previous attempts on Trump’s life in recent months.
On July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear during an event, resulting in the death of an attendee.
On September 15, a man was arrested and charged with attempting to kill Trump after being found with a gun at Trump International Golf Club while the former president was playing golf.