A 38-year-old man carrying ammunition and a firearm in his vehicle was arrested Sunday at a golf course near Los Angeles after authorities said he appeared to be monitoring security preparations ahead of a Republican National Committee fundraiser.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Jeanine John Taele was taking photographs and recording video at the Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, two days before President Donald Trump was scheduled to attend the event.
Authorities said Taele had a 16-round magazine loaded with ammunition in his pocket, while a loaded pistol was found inside his vehicle.
Weapons and notes found during home search
Following his arrest, law enforcement searched Taele’s home in nearby Downey on Monday.
Officials said they found multiple firearms, magazines, ammunition, body armour and notebooks containing what they described as “concerning statements”.
The sheriff’s department did not provide details about the contents of the notebooks or say whether investigators believed Taele was planning an attack against the president or the event.
Authorities said there is currently “no credible threat to our communities”.
Charges filed against suspect
Taele was charged with several felonies, including second-degree robbery, receiving a large-capacity magazine and possession of a short-barrelled rifle or shotgun.
He was also charged with carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, a misdemeanour.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday and was ordered to stay away from the golf course and not possess weapons. His bail was set at $250,000.
It was not immediately clear whether Taele had legal representation, and family members could not be reached for comment.
Previous Trump security incident
The sheriff’s department said that when officers contacted Taele, they determined he was also under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department for robbery.
The incident comes after a 2025 case in which a jury found a man guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump at the president’s Florida golf club.
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