Trump National Golf Club, California: Armed man arrested days before US President to visit
Police located multiple notebooks which contained ‘concerning statements’ during a search of his home.
An armed man has been arrested at one of Donald Trump’s golf courses days before the President was due to visit for a Republican National Committee event.
About 3.30pm local time on August 2, police were contacted about a “suspicious individual” after plain-clothed federal agents noticed a man photographing and videoing at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.
The man, who officers believe was monitoring the venue’s security situation ahead of Mr Trump’s visit, was quickly identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, according to USA Today.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Taele was under investigation for a previous robbery, and deputies attending the golf course detained him.
Police said they found a 16-round magazine in his pocket.
His car in the golf course’s car park was also searched, and police found a loaded pistol and more ammunition.
Mr Taele was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possession of armour-piercing ammunition.
The arrest was announced on August 4, the day the President was arriving in Southern California for an event at the golf course.
“Recognising the potential security implications surrounding the incident, detectives... obtained and executed a search warrant yesterday afternoon for Taele’s residence,” police said, according to CBS News.
Law enforcement officers found firearms, magazines and ammunition, body armour, and multiple notebooks “containing concerning statements” when they searched his home.
The sheriff’s department said there was no ongoing threat to the community.
