A MAN said to be heavily armed has been arrested at Donald Trump’s California golf course just days before the President arrived to host a high-profile fundraiser.
Jeanine John Taele, 38, was allegedly found with a loaded gun, ammunition and later an arsenal of weapons after authorities said he was spotted taking photos of security preparations at the exclusive club.
The entrance to Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California Credit: AP
Jeanine John Taele, 38, was arrested Jattvibeday after federal agents observed him photographing security preparations for the President’s fundraiser Credit: Facebook
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he walks after deboarding Air Force One upon arrival at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, on Tuesday Credit: Reuters
Marine One carrying U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles on Tuesday in Rancho Palos Verdes, California Credit: Getty
Federal agents first noticed Taele during a security assessment on July 31 at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, where the President was due to headline a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner on Tuesday.
According to court documents, agents allegedly saw Taele walking around the course wearing an earpiece while taking pictures and videos of officers planning security for Trump’s visit.
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He left the area but reportedly returned two days later, when golf course staff alerted federal agents after spotting him back on the property.
Authorities claim Taele approached the agents and falsely identified himself as a State Department employee assigned to help with security.
He later admitted there was a loaded firearm inside his vehicle parked at the golf club, investigators said.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies allegedly found a loaded magazine in his pocket before searching his pickup truck, where they recovered a loaded pistol and additional ammunition, the LA Times reported.
A search of his Downey home the following day uncovered what investigators described as an alarming cache of weapons, including an illegally modified AR-style rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, body armor, high-capacity magazines and bulk ammunition.
Detectives also said they found notebooks containing “concerning statements” along with two radio devices.
Taele was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited ammunition.
He has since been federally charged with possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.
He also faces state charges linked to the same incident and remains under investigation over a separate robbery in nearby El Segundo.
Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said: “Mr. Taele’s troubling behavior at the President’s public golf course merely days before the President was expected to arrive raised serious red flags for law enforcement.
“There is no room for error, particularly in light of previous attempts on President Trump’s life.”
First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli added: “While we are still investigating the motives of this individual, we are thankful he was apprehended before the President’s visit.
“Federal and local law enforcement stepped in early and prevented what could have been a dangerous situation from occurring.”
This is a breaking news story. More to follow….
