Las Vegas Man with Guns Arrested Near Trump Rally in Coachella

Authorities in Riverside County have successfully thwarted another assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, marking the third such incident this year. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller of Las Vegas, was apprehended on Saturday, October 12, 2024, near a Trump rally in Coachella Valley. Local law enforcement officers discovered Miller in possession of multiple firearms, including a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine.

According to a statement from Sergeant Ben Medina of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department,

“On Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 4:59 p.m., deputies assigned to former President Donald Trump’s rally in the Coachella Valley contacted the driver of a black SUV at a checkpoint at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive. The male driver, identified as Vem Miller, a 49-year-old resident of Las Vegas, was found to be illegally in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine.” 

Miller was taken into custody without incident and later booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center. The sheriff’s department reassured the public that the incident did not pose any direct threat to Trump or rally attendees, with Medina confirming, “This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event.”

The arrest occurred during a routine checkpoint at the rally, as law enforcement ramped up security around Trump’s public appearances amid growing concerns over threats to his safety. This marks the third attempted assassination this year, highlighting ongoing security challenges.

As investigations continue, no further details regarding Miller’s motives have been released. Trump’s team has yet to comment publicly on the incident. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced that there will be a press conference about the Oct. 12 arrest at 6 p.m. ET streamed on YouTube.