Third Assassination Attempt On Trump Foiled As Armed Suspect Arrested Near Rally Site

An armed man was arrested on Saturday outside the venue for Donald Trump's rally in Coachella, California, marking the third alleged assassination attempt on the former president in recent months.

Authorities identified the suspect as Vem Miller, a 49-year-old from Las Vegas, who was found with multiple firearms and fake credentials, including a press pass and an event entry pass.

Photo Credit: PTI

Third Assassination Attempt On Trump Foiled - Here's How

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco reported that Miller, who was carrying a loaded shotgun, handgun, and high-capacity magazine, was apprehended approximately a mile from the rally site. According to Sheriff Bianco, the suspicious documents and weapons raised alarm, prompting deputies to intervene. "We likely prevented another assassination attempt," he stated.

Miller, who reportedly aligns with anti-government, right-wing beliefs, identifies as a "sovereign citizen" - a group that rejects traditional government authority. He is also a registered Republican and holds a master's degree from UCLA, having previously run for a Nevada state assembly position in 2022. Following his arrest, Miller was released on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear at Indio Larson Justice Center on January 2, 2025.

The U.S. Secret Service confirmed awareness of the incident, expressing appreciation for the local law enforcement efforts. "The incident did not impact protective operations," a Secret Service spokesperson stated. Trump, meanwhile, addressed the crowd from behind bulletproof glass during the event.

This incident follows two previous attempts on Trump's life. On July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, a man named Matthew Crooks reportedly fired at Trump before being shot by Secret Service agents. In September, another suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended at a golf course with visible firearms.