LOS ANGELES—An armed man has been arrested at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, after authorities said he appeared to be monitoring security preparations days before President Donald Trump was scheduled to attend a fundraising event at the property.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele of Downey, California, was taken into custody after plainclothes officers observed him on the golf course grounds taking photographs and videos while appearing to survey security operations. Authorities said the arrest occurred before Trump's planned visit and prompted a joint investigation involving local, state and federal law enforcement.
According to the sheriff's department, deputies found a loaded ammunition magazine in Taele's possession. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded 9 mm handgun, additional ammunition, binoculars and a badge that investigators said falsely suggested a law enforcement or security affiliation. Officials said Taele claimed to be part of a State Department security detail, an assertion investigators determined was untrue.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at Taele's residence in Downey, where they said they recovered additional firearms, including an unregistered short-barreled AR-style rifle, ammunition, body armor, communications equipment and notebooks containing what authorities described as concerning writings. Federal prosecutors subsequently filed a weapons charge alleging possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, while state authorities also pursued firearms-related charges.
The sheriff's department said Taele was also under investigation in connection with an unrelated robbery case being handled by the El Segundo Police Department. Authorities have not publicly alleged that he attempted to attack the president, and officials emphasized that the investigation into his intentions remains ongoing. A federal law enforcement source told multiple news organizations there was no confirmed evidence at this stage of a specific plot targeting Trump.
The U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement are participating in the investigation because of the proximity of the incident to a scheduled presidential visit. Officials said the arrest was made before Trump arrived at the golf club and that there was no continuing threat to the public following the suspect's detention.
The case comes amid heightened security surrounding Trump after previous assassination attempts and other security incidents in recent years. Authorities said Taele remained in custody on state charges while the federal case proceeds, and the investigation remains active.
