A man was detained with firearms near a Donald Trump gathering, prompting discussions about security measures.
According to Just The News, authorities apprehended Vem Miller on Saturday evening near Trump's Coachella Valley rally due to the unauthorized possession of firearms.
Vem Miller, from Las Vegas, was arrested by law enforcement officials just before 5 p.m. local time. The incident occurred at a checkpoint where deputies stopped the driver of a black SUV. Upon investigation, Miller, 49, was found carrying a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine.
The arrest of Miller raised initial concerns over a potential threat to the event, where former President Donald Trump was speaking. However, Miller asserted that he was a devoted Trump supporter. He further explained that he bore arms solely for defense due to receiving threats against his life.
Miller's connection to the media also came to light during the arrest. He claimed to be a member of the news media, which he used to explain his presence near the rally. Furthermore, he denied any possession of false identification during his interactions with authorities.
As details of the incident came out, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco indicated to the Riverside Press-Enterprise, “We probably stopped another assassination attempt.”
This assertion, however, met with strong denials from Miller, who stated to Fox News, “I'm 100% a Trump supporter” and insisted that he had no intentions of harming the former president.
During an interview, Miller emphasized his lack of experience with firearms. He remarked, “I've literally never even shot a gun in my life. I don't know anything about guns. I am beyond a novice.”
His claims highlighted the perspective that he was unaccustomed to handling weapons, reinforcing his argument that he posed no threat to Trump or anyone else at the rally.
Upon detainment, Miller was processed by the authorities, who charged him with illegal firearm possession. Despite the severity of these charges, he was later released on a $5,000 bail. The conditions of his release remain undisclosed, pending further investigation and legal proceedings.
In light of the arrest, the Riverside Sheriff's Office released a statement to alleviate concerns regarding the security of the rally. The statement read, "This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event." This reassured attendees and addressed residual doubts surrounding the event's security protocols.
The arrest did not lead to any disruptions or alterations in the rally’s proceedings. Attendees were able to participate without incident, partly due to the swift actions of security personnel at the checkpoint.
The incident has sparked conversations about the effectiveness of security measures at political events, especially those involving high-profile figures like Donald Trump. With heightened political tensions in recent years, rally organizers and law enforcement agencies are continuously grappling with potential threats.
Local officials and rally organizers are likely to review security protocols further in the aftermath of Miller’s arrest. Ensuring the safety of attendees while balancing legitimate concerns about personal protection will remain a focus for future events.
As the legal process unfolds, additional details about Miller's motives and the nature of the alleged death threats may come to light. His assertion of media involvement could also play a role in legal proceedings and public perception.
Former President Donald Trump secured a pivotal endorsement for his presidential bid during a heated rally held in Prescott Valley, Arizona.
According to Fox News, the National Border Patrol Council's support bolsters Trump's campaign efforts in crucial swing states as he contends with Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency.
On a vibrant Sunday, the official union representing U.S. border patrol personnel, the National Border Patrol Council, threw its weight behind Trump's candidacy. The endorsement came at a time when Trump was canvassing for support in Arizona, a state with significant potential to sway the outcome of the upcoming election.
Paul Perez, the current president of the National Border Patrol Council, stepped onto the stage at the rally to deliver a powerful endorsement. He expressed a dire warning about the potential consequences of a victory for Vice President Harris.
According to Perez:
If we allow border czar Harris to win this election, every city, every community in this great country is going to go to hell. The untold millions of people unvetted, who she has allowed into this country that are committing murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries and every other crime will continue to put our country in peril. Only one man can fix that. That is Donald J. Trump. He has always stood with the men and women who protect this border, who put their lives on the line for the country.
Offering the endorsement on behalf of the 16,000 members represented by the union, Perez's message was clear in its support for Trump's return to the Oval Office.
On receiving the endorsement, Trump voiced his appreciation and called it a great honor to secure the unanimous backing of the union. "They said it was unanimous. Thousands of people," he noted, acknowledging the symbolic weight of the council's decision in uniting its members behind him.
Trump continued to rally the crowd with promises of revitalizing the United States military by ensuring it remains robust and free from any influences he characterized as detrimental. Additionally, he pledged his commitment to reducing violent crime and supporting law enforcement initiatives nationwide.
To emphasize his points, Trump incorporated multimedia elements into the rally, including a video montage featuring scenes from the movie "Full Metal Jacket," which further energized the audience.
The upcoming election is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, with recent polling from The Wall Street Journal underscoring the tight race in battleground states. Data shows that Trump and Harris are neck-and-neck in North Carolina and Wisconsin, while Harris holds the lead in states like Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan.
Despite the close margins, Trump holds an edge over Harris in Nevada and Pennsylvania, where his stance on issues such as the economy, inflation, immigration, and border security resonate more with voters. Harris, meanwhile, garners more support on topics like housing affordability, abortion rights, healthcare, and empathy in leadership.
The poll results reflect the divide among voters, highlighting how each candidate's platform appeals to different concerns held by the electorate.
Meanwhile, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz is facing scrutiny following allegations of ties to China and its ruling Communist Party. The former Minnesota governor has been criticized by GOP figures, with Republican representative James Comer launching a probe into Walz’s affiliations.
Walz's history includes approximately 15 trips to China, initially as part of an American teacher delegation under a Harvard program and later through student trips. A spotlight was put on these visits, especially in light of his continuous interactions during the period he served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.
Although Walz's campaign spokesperson and others have attempted to clarify these trips, GOP critics remain concerned about his ties. James Comer has been particularly vocal, pointing out a lack of forthcoming details about Walz’s activities during those visits.
Further adding complexity to the situation is Walz's involvement in student travel businesses. Gordon Chang, an expert cited in the discussions, suggested that the pursuits were not profit-driven, prompting questions about their ultimate purpose and sources of funding. He underscored that the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department likely played a role in supporting these initiatives.
Chang also highlighted Walz’s long-standing relationship with the Communist Party, noting that it extended even through his tenure as Minnesota’s governor. This ongoing relationship raises concerns for those questioning Walz’s impartiality regarding China.
Amid the controversy, Comer has taken concrete steps to investigate Walz’s connections. He announced plans to subpoena the Department of Homeland Security, acting on allegations from a whistleblower about Walz’s potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The investigation marks an intensification in the scrutiny faced by Walz, adding pressure to address the allegations and clarify his stance on past international engagements.
Sen. JD Vance was initially denied entry to a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Sports Bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, while on a campaign stop.
According to Breitbart News, the confusion was due to a lack of advance notice, but Vance and his team were later welcomed inside.
On a routine campaign stop in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) faced an unexpected hiccup. Initially, the staff at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Sports Bar, known for its signature sandwiches, denied him entry.
The restaurant staff, cautious of hosting an impromptu “campaign event,” also barred cameras, reported NBC News correspondent Gary Grumbach on X. This incident was a minor setback in Vance's campaign trail.
Despite the initial denial, Vance adapted quickly, addressing a crowd outside the restaurant while encouraging support for the local business.
In a video posted to X, Vance spoke to his supporters, thanking them for their presence and urging them to vote in the upcoming presidential election. “We paid for everybody’s food, we gave them a nice tip,” he said. Vance also humorously added, “No taxes on tips.”
During his brief address, Vance remained positive about the restaurant, emphasizing its value to the local community. He acknowledged the misunderstanding and made it clear that it was simply a momentary lapse in communication.
“Don’t hold it against her, she just got a little nervous. But, it’s a great local business, let’s keep on supporting it,” he told the crowd outside Primanti Bros.
Adam Golomb, CEO of Primanti Bros., elaborated on the situation, attributing it to a lack of advance notice about the campaign stop. “Without any advance notice, today’s campaign stop caused some momentary confusion for our staff,” Golomb stated.
Golomb assured that once the misunderstanding was resolved, Vance and his team were welcomed into the restaurant. “Senator Vance and his team were welcomed into our restaurant shortly after and engaged with our guests inside and on the property,” he added.
The incident highlighted the importance of communication and coordination for campaign events, particularly in busy local businesses like Primanti Bros.
This is not the first time a campaign-related mix-up has occurred at a Primanti Bros. location. During the last presidential campaign, customers were reportedly asked to leave a restaurant in Moon, Pennsylvania, ahead of a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate.
These incidents underline the challenges restaurants face when balancing day-to-day operations with accommodating high-profile guests.
Primanti Bros., popular for their unique sandwiches, has locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland. They have built a reputation for being a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike.
Despite the initial confusion, the outcome of Vance’s visit turned positive. The Ohio senator's approach reflected his commitment to community engagement, even in the face of minor setbacks.
Encouraging civic participation, Vance used the opportunity to remind attendees of the importance of voting. His remarks during the event, especially concerning the tips, resonated with many, showcasing his relatability.
As Vance’s campaign moves forward, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public appearances and the importance of adaptability.
In conclusion, Sen. JD Vance's campaign stop at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Sports Bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, faced initial confusion due to the lack of advance notice. Despite being denied entry at first, Vance maintained a positive attitude, encouraged voting, and highlighted the restaurant's significance. Restaurant CEO Adam Golomb later clarified the situation, and Vance engaged with guests inside the establishment.
