Man with gun in car arrested at Trump golf course before US president’s visit

A man, identified as Jeanine John Taele, 38, was apprehended on Sunday at Donald Trump's golf course in Los Angeles, just two days prior to the Republican National Committee dinner. The LA County Sheriff's Department revealed that Taele was observed taking photos and video, carrying a 16-round magazine with ammunition and a loaded pistol in his vehicle.

Upon arrival, authorities seized the firearm and recovered more weapons and ammunition from his residence in Downey. The sheriff's department found notebooks containing "concerning statements" during the search, which prompted the arrest. However, the nature of these notes and Taele's potential intentions remain undisclosed. Taele is charged with multiple felonies, including second-degree robbery, possession of a large-capacity magazine, and carrying a concealed firearm.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on a $250,000 bail. He is prohibited from approaching the golf course and from possessing weapons. The department affirmed there is "no credible threat to our communities". Despite Trump's history of facing multiple assassination attempts, including one in 2024 during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and another incident in April where he was evacuated from a Washington event, this incident does not pose an imminent threat, according to the authorities.