Vem Miller was arrested near a rally for former President Donald Trump in Coachella, California, and denied accusations of attempting to assassinate Trump in an online video following his arrest. Miller, a 49-year-old from Nevada, claimed to be a longtime supporter of Trump and stated that he had been invited to the rally by Republican officials in Nevada. However, NBC News was unable to verify Miller’s claims of working as a Trump caucus captain or team leader and being invited to the rally. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stood by his statements that claims his deputies may have foiled a possible assassination attempt on Trump.
Sheriff Bianco alleged that Miller arrived at the rally with multiple IDs, an unlicensed vehicle with fake plates, and weapons and ammunition. Despite Miller’s assertions that he only carried firearms for self-defense, Bianco dismissed his claims, emphasizing the danger of bringing guns to the event. Federal law enforcement officials confirmed that they are investigating the incident but have not filed charges against Miller. The U.S. Secret Service concluded that the incident did not impact protective operations and that Trump was not in any danger. A federal law enforcement official indicated that there was no evidence of an attempt to assassinate Trump.
Miller recounted in a video that he was directed towards a special entrance for parking upon his arrival at the rally and had two firearms in the trunk of his car – a Glock and a shotgun. He insisted that he carried the firearms solely for personal protection. However, Sheriff Bianco defended the arrest of Miller and refuted his claims of innocence, highlighting the risks associated with bringing weapons to the event. Despite Miller’s protestations, Bianco praised the actions of his deputies in apprehending him and preventing a potentially dangerous situation at the rally. Miller accused local law enforcement officials of defaming him as a potential assassin in the video, asserting that their claims were false.
Julia Ainsley, the homeland security correspondent for NBC News, and Alex Rozier, a reporter for NBC Los Angeles, reported on the incident involving Vem Miller near former President Trump’s rally. Federal law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the situation, but no arrests have been made at this time. Miller’s claims of innocence and assertions of being a dedicated Trump supporter have been met with skepticism, as law enforcement officials maintain that his possession of firearms at the rally posed a significant threat. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of Miller’s intentions and the potential risks he posed at the rally.
