A man was detained near Donald Trump's golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, ahead of the US President's visit to a fundraising event. According to police, weapons and ammunition prohibited by state law were found on his person and in his vehicle.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to BBC, 38-year-old Janine John Taele was detained after federal agents in plain clothes reported a suspicious individual on the grounds of the Trump National Golf Course.
Law enforcement reported that the man moved around the club grounds, took photographs and video, and, according to the investigation, observed security operations ahead of the US President's visit.
WHAT WAS FOUND AT THE TIME OF ARREST
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, a personal search of the detainee uncovered a magazine holding 16 rounds of specialised ammunition. In his vehicle, parked near the golf club, police found a loaded pistol and another loaded magazine.
The man has been charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possession of prohibited ammunition. Law enforcement also reported that he was wanted by the El Segundo Police Department in connection with a robbery case.
WHAT WAS FOUND DURING THE SEARCH
According to law enforcement, the following day agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), together with units from the Sheriff's Department, carried out a search of the suspect's residence in the city of Downey.
During the search, an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, a .45 calibre pistol, body armour, high-capacity magazines, pistol and rifle ammunition, as well as several notebooks containing, according to investigators, concerning writings, were discovered.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION
The investigation is ongoing with the involvement of the US Secret Service. According to law enforcement, additional charges have not been ruled out.
At the same time, representatives of the Sheriff's Department stated that they had identified no credible threat to the public. Officials also reported no evidence suggesting the suspect intended to harm Donald Trump. No charges relating to such actions have been brought against him.
CONTEXT
In April 2026, during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, an armed man opened fire at a US Secret Service checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the US President was present. One Secret Service agent was wounded, and the suspect was detained. According to the investigation, he is charged with offences relating to the use of a firearm and assault on a federal officer.
