CNN
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A man was arrested on state gun charges near Donald Trump’s rally in California on Saturday, but the former president was “not in any danger,” the U.S. Secret Service said, along with the FBI and Justice Department. said in a joint statement.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said Sunday that the man was illegally in possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun and a high-capacity magazine, but was unable to enter an initial perimeter near a rally in Coachella. announced that it was done.
Once the man, identified by sheriff’s officials as 49-year-old Bem Miller of Las Vegas, reached the second perimeter, authorities noticed several “irregularities,” Bianco said. Bianco said the interior of the vehicle was in disarray and the vehicle was unregistered and had a false license plate.
Bianco said Miller had multiple driver’s licenses and passports with different names. Bianco said it was unclear why Miller was in the area, and that Miller claimed to be a journalist to attend the rally.
Miller was detained before Trump’s rally and charged with firearms violations. He was later released on $5,000 bail, the sheriff’s office said.
CNN has repeatedly attempted to contact Miller for comment. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 2, according to jail records.
Miller has denied allegations that he tried to harm President Trump, telling Fox News Digital on Sunday that he always carries a weapon, reporting the gun to authorities at a checkpoint when attending rallies. spoke. He said he is “100% a Trump supporter.”
In a video posted to his Rumble account early Monday morning, Miller said Trump is “one of the few people I’ve ever seen who has had the courage to actually stand up to this tyranny. is near and dear to our hearts.” To our people. ”
Two federal officials told CNN there is currently no evidence that Miller was attempting to assassinate the former president.
The Secret Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI said in a joint statement that “no federal arrests have been made at this time, but the investigation is ongoing” and that the agencies “thank you for your cooperation in securing this investigation.” I would like to thank our legislators and our local partners.” I pray for your safety after what happened last night. ”
The Trump campaign on Sunday thanked police for “securing the rally venue and helping ensure President Trump’s safety.”
“We are aware of the reports regarding the arrest and are currently monitoring the situation and gathering further information,” campaign spokesman Stephen Chan told CNN.
This article and heading have been updated.
CNN’s Josh Campbell and Alayna Treene contributed to this report.
