A possible assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump was averted by Riverside County deputies during his rally in Coachella Valley, California, on Saturday, according to Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
The suspect, Vem Miller, 49, from Las Vegas, was arrested at around 5 pm, half a mile from the rally site. He was found in a black SUV after reportedly passing through an initial security checkpoint by using false VIP and media credentials.
Miller was arrested without incident and charged with possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine. He was later booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center.
Sheriff Chad Bianco told reporters, “I truly do believe we prevented another assassination attempt.”
He elaborated that Miller’s vehicle caught the attention of a deputy due to its “disarray” and a clearly “fake” licence plate. A search of the vehicle revealed multiple driver’s licences and passports under different names, as well as a loaded handgun and shotgun, both unregistered.
Bianco added, “What we do know is he showed up with multiple passports with different names, an unregistered vehicle with a fake licence plate, and loaded firearms. If you’re asking me right now, I probably did have deputies that did prevent the third assassination attempt.”
Miller is suspected of being affiliated with the “sovereign citizens” movement, a right-wing group that denies the legitimacy of the US government.
Sheriff Bianco described the suspect as a “lunatic.”
However, Miller denied any intention to harm Trump. In an interview with the Southern California News Group, he said, “These accusations are complete bull****. I’m an artist, I’m the last person that would cause any violence and harm to anybody.”
He also claimed to be a Trump supporter.
Miller was released on a $5,000 bail and is due to appear in court in January at the Indio Larson Justice Center. The Sheriff suggested that federal authorities might bring additional charges.
This incident is the third armed threat at a Trump event in recent months, following cases in Florida and Pennsylvania.\
Sheriff Bianco praised his deputies for their swift actions in preventing a potential tragedy at the rally.
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