Authorities arrested an armed man at President Donald Trump’s golf course in California two days before the US leader’s scheduled visit, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele from Downey, California. Deputies arrested him on Sunday at the golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes.
According to investigators, plainclothes federal agents saw Taele walking around the property while taking photographs and recording videos. Authorities said his actions appeared to involve monitoring security preparations before Trump’s arrival.
During the detention, deputies recovered a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition from the suspect’s pocket. Subsequently, officers searched his vehicle and found a loaded pistol with another loaded magazine.
Later, sheriff’s investigators and the FBI’s counterterrorism unit searched Taele’s home. They recovered an assault-style rifle, a pistol, a bulletproof vest, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, two radios, and several notebooks containing concerning statements.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the investigation to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
Trump arrived by helicopter at the golf club on Tuesday evening to attend a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner. However, the event remained closed to the media.
The arrest follows several previous security incidents involving Trump, including attempted attacks during his recent presidential campaign and at other public appearances.
