(DailyChive.com) – Authorities in California arrested a man before former President Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco provided details about the incident during a press conference the next day.
The suspect, Vem Miller, a 49-year-old from Las Vegas, was found with illegal weapons, including a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. Miller approached the rally site in a black SUV around 5 p.m., trying to enter the VIP area, acting as if he belonged there. However, deputies noticed several red flags and stopped him for further investigation.
Sheriff Bianco explained that Miller was carrying multiple passports and driver’s licenses, each with different names. His vehicle was unregistered and had a fake license plate, which immediately caught the deputies’ attention. When they searched his car, they discovered the weapons, leading to Miller’s arrest.
Bianco suggested that Miller might be involved with a group known as “sovereign citizens.” This group believes they are not subject to U.S. law and often engage in illegal activities. Although Bianco wouldn’t classify them as a militant group, he stressed they are dangerous because they reject government authority and laws. He added that if Miller was indeed part of this group, it would confirm a concerning trend.
Miller was booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center. He later denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was actually a supporter of Trump. He expressed shock over his arrest and criticized the authorities for not letting him contact a lawyer until eight hours after being detained. Miller also stated that he had no plans to harm anyone.
Though the incident raised concerns, Bianco emphasized there was no danger to Trump or the rally attendees. The FBI, Secret Service, and local law enforcement are still investigating, but no federal charges have been filed.
The Trump campaign thanked law enforcement for ensuring the safety of the event. The Secret Service also confirmed that there was no direct threat to the former president during the rally.
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