A man described as ‘heavily armed’ was taken into custody at Donald Trump’s golf course in California just days before the President was set to hold a fundraising event there. Identified as Jeanine John Taele, aged 38, he was apprehended by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies while reportedly engaging in suspicious behavior and surveillance at the golf course on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred as preparations were underway for a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner to be hosted by Trump at the golf club in the Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhood on Tuesday. Law enforcement officers discovered a loaded magazine in Taele’s possession during the arrest. Subsequently, a search of his vehicle in the parking lot uncovered a loaded pistol along with additional ammunition.
Further investigations at Taele’s residence in Downey, California, on Monday led to the discovery of more weapons and ammunition, including a .45 caliber pistol, body armor, and high-capacity magazines. Authorities also found several notebooks containing what they described as ‘concerning statements’ and two radio devices at the property.
Taele was taken into custody on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing illegal ammunition, including hollow point bullets. The police emphasized that there is currently no perceived threat to the public from this incident. Additionally, the 38-year-old is being looked into in connection with a robbery in the nearby area of El Segundo.
Efforts to obtain comments from the White House on the matter are underway.