Authorities have reported that a man from Nevada, found with a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and multiple fake passports in his vehicle, was detained at a security checkpoint near Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday night in Southern California. The man was released later the same day on $5,000 bail.
The individual, a 49-year-old Las Vegas resident, was driving an unregistered black SUV with a “homemade” license plate. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco provided further details during a press conference on Sunday, describing how deputies had intercepted the vehicle near the rally in Coachella, east of Los Angeles.
The man claimed to be a journalist, but it was unclear if he held proper credentials. Upon inspection, deputies found the interior of the vehicle disorganized, prompting a search that revealed the firearms, ammunition, and various fake passports and driver licenses bearing different names, Bianco reported.
The suspect faces accusations related to the possession of a loaded item and a high-capacity magazine, according to a statement from the sheriff’s department.
Bianco emphasized that the incident posed no threat to the safety of former President Trump or those attending the event. At the time of the man’s detainment, Trump had not yet arrived at the rally, which Bianco confirmed at Sunday’s press conference.
The individual is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, 2025, as per available records. When asked about the man’s possible intentions, Bianco refrained from speculating, stating, “We know we prevented something bad from happening, and it was irrelevant what that bad was going to be.“
Bianco explained that the individual managed to pass through an outer security boundary but was subsequently stopped at an inner perimeter under the patrol of the sheriff’s department.
Another security checkpoint, situated closer to the rally venue, was controlled by the Secret Service.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that “the U.S. Secret Service assesses that the incident did not impact protective operations and that former President Trump was not in any danger.”
While no federal arrest has been made, the office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
During the event, members of the media and VIP ticket holders navigated through several intersections, monitored by state and local law enforcement, before reaching a large, grassy area where officers conducted thorough vehicle searches, including inspections by K-9 units.
General ticket holders, on the other hand, were directed to a separate location approximately three miles from the rally site, where they boarded buses to the event.
The Trump campaign has yet to comment on the situation. Security has been heightened at Trump rallies following two recent high-profile incidents.
Just last month, a man was indicted on charges related to an attempt to harm the former president. This came two months after Trump experienced a minor injury during an incident at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Sheriff Bianco declined to provide further details on the man’s background or motivations, noting that the case is still under investigation.
He emphasized that security protocols effectively minimized any potential risks to attendees, adding that the swift response from law enforcement demonstrated the effectiveness of their preparations.
The recent tightening of security has been deemed essential by Trump’s team and law enforcement agencies, given the escalating tensions at campaign events.
Following the recent incidents, additional layers of security have been implemented, particularly at checkpoints where thorough searches are conducted. These protocols were put in place to ensure the safety of the former president and rally participants, underscoring the importance of vigilance amid heightened concerns.
While Trump’s team has not issued a statement regarding this particular incident, it is expected that future events will continue to feature extensive security measures.
This approach aims to mitigate any risks associated with potential threats, underscoring the importance of maintaining a secure environment for both the candidate and attendees.
As of now, the investigation into Saturday’s incident is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge in the coming weeks. Authorities remain focused on identifying the full extent of the situation, including any potential connections or motivations the man may have had.
“We know we prevented something bad from happening, and it was irrelevant what that bad was going to be,” Bianco said, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in ensuring public safety.
This statement reflects the broader concern shared by many at these events, where security continues to be a top priority amid a challenging climate for political figures.
