Third assassination attempt on Trump thwarted at Southern California rally
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Trump gestures as he arrives for campaign rally at Calhoun Ranch in Coachella, California, on October 12, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco announced that authorities have prevented a third assassination attempt on presidential candidate Donald Trump.
A man was arrested by sheriff’s deputies assigned to protect a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California after he was found illegally in possession of a shotgun and a loaded handgun. The Riverside County sheriff’s office reported that 49-year-old Vem Miller of Las Vegas was apprehended while driving a black SUV near a checkpoint set up for the event.
Miller was booked at a local detention center on charges of possessing a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine. The sheriff’s office stated that this incident did not compromise the safety of former President Trump or the event’s attendees.
Authorities apprehended the suspect just one minute before the rally was set to begin. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco reported that the arrest occurred at a checkpoint in Coachella on Saturday.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said the arrest took place at 4:59 p.m. Saturday at the checkpoint at the intersection of 52nd Street and Celebration Drive in Coachella. The rally was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
Details regarding Miller’s intentions were not disclosed. He has since been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 2.
Suspect found in possession of multiple guns
The suspect was found about a mile from the rally site, in possession of a loaded shotgun, a handgun, and high-capacity magazines, all alongside a fake entry card.
Sheriff Bianco emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We likely prevented another assassination attempt,” underscoring the heightened risks faced by Trump during this critical campaign period.
In a tense lead-up to the U.S. elections on Nov. 5, presidential candidate Trump has been at the center of several assassination attempts, narrowly escaping death multiple times.
Most recently, Trump was shot in the ear, marking his third survival from an attack.
In September, Trump encountered a second assassination attempt at the Trump National Golf Club, a frequent venue for his outings.
