A man was arrested outside Donald Trump's rally in California's Coachella Valley on October 12, prompting local law enforcement to describe the incident as a thwarted assassination attempt. Vem Miller, a 49-year-old from Las Vegas, was found in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine, according to Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who spoke during a press conference the following day.
Miller was intercepted at a police checkpoint at the rally, where he attempted to enter using what authorities believe was a falsified VIP pass. According to the sheriff's office, Miller also had multiple passports and driver's licenses with different names, raising further suspicion. His vehicle, which was unregistered and found in disarray, was searched, and the weapons were discovered. Miller was arrested without incident and later released on a $5,000 bail.
"I truly do believe we prevented another assassination attempt," Bianco told reporters, stating that this is the third time in recent months that a person armed with weapons was found near Trump. Bianco went on to suggest that Miller's arrest might have saved Trump's life, though federal authorities appear more skeptical about this claim.
Federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI, issued a joint statement, emphasizing that Trump was never in immediate danger. "The U.S. Secret Service assesses that the incident did not impact protective operations and former President Trump was not in any danger," the statement read. The FBI has not made any federal arrests at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Miller, who claimed to be a journalist attempting to cover the rally, has yet to comment publicly on the matter. According to reports, he is expected to appear in court in January. Despite the local sheriff's strong assertions, the FBI has expressed doubt that Miller was attempting to assassinate Trump, instead labeling him as part of an anti-government, far-right group. Sources told The Post that Miller is affiliated with the sovereign citizen movement, a group that rejects government authority and is known for anti-government extremism.
The FBI's concerns are rooted in the fact that the sovereign citizens movement has been involved in several violent incidents, including traffic stop altercations. In 2023, a member of the group was killed during a standoff in Utah after refusing to comply with law enforcement. Miller, it appears, has a history of minor run-ins with the law, and authorities are now investigating the motive behind his actions.
This is not the first security scare involving Trump in the 2024 election cycle. In July, gunshots were fired during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was speaking. Trump was grazed by a bullet, and one bystander was killed, while two others were injured. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed at the scene. The FBI categorized that incident as an assassination attempt. Another incident occurred in September when gunshots were fired near Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach while he was playing. The shooter in that case, identified as Ryan Routh, was discovered hiding in the bushes near the golf course and later apprehended after fleeing the scene.
Despite the growing number of security incidents, Trump's campaign thanked law enforcement for their swift action at the Coachella Valley rally. "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," Trump communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement.
The series of security breaches underscores the heightened tensions surrounding Trump's public appearances as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election. The Secret Service, along with local authorities, continues to ramp up protective measures, particularly in light of multiple close calls this year.
Sheriff Bianco remained adamant during his press conference that the country's political climate has contributed to the escalation of these incidents. "If we are that politically lost, that we have lost sight of common sense and reality...we have a serious, serious problem in this country," Bianco said. He further expressed frustration at suggestions that he was being dramatic in labeling the Miller arrest as an assassination attempt, insisting that the situation could have been far worse.
