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In California, law enforcement confirmed the arrest of a man found in possession of illegal firearms in the hours leading up to a rally featuring former President Donald Trump on Saturday. Authorities acted promptly upon receiving intelligence and managed to secure the area, ensuring the safety of attendees before the rally commenced.
Shortly after 5 pm, deputies manning a security checkpoint at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive in Coachella Valley flagged down a black SUV. The vehicle, moving through the checkpoint, drew the attention of law enforcement, who acted promptly to initiate a stop.
This seemingly ordinary event at a checkpoint was the prelude to a deeper investigation, marking the beginning of a larger security operation.
As deputies conducted their investigation, it became evident that the driver, Vem Miller, a 49-year-old resident of Las Vegas, was illegally armed. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine, all in breach of the state’s firearm regulations.
The presence of these weapons not only heightened the stakes of the encounter but also raised questions about the driver’s intentions.
After being apprehended by the deputies, Miller was transported to a local detention facility where he remains in custody as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the illegal firearms. Officials are now conducting a thorough inquiry into his past and examining whether the weapons were intended for a specific use or if they are part of a broader criminal enterprise. The investigation is expected to uncover more details in the coming days.
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In a detailed report published by Sky News, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco told news outlets on Sunday that his deputies “most likely thwarted the third assassination attempt.” Sheriff Bianco emphasized how the rapid actions of his deputies were instrumental in preventing a potential tragedy.
He mentioned that the discovery of the illegal firearms pointed to a high-risk situation, and without their intervention, the consequences could have been severe. His words underscored the constant threat facing public figures and the importance of law enforcement’s preparedness.
Sheriff Bianco said his deputies became suspicious when the man approached the perimeter.
“There were many irregularities that popped up,” said Sheriff Bianco at a press conference on Sunday.
His officers “noticed the interior of the vehicle was in disarray and had an obviously fake licence plate”.
