The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrested an armed man outside Trump National Golf Club in California on Sunday, just days before President Donald Trump was to attend a Republican National Committee dinner at his venue.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, was spotted by plainclothes federal agents who observed odd behavior and subsequently contacted the Lomita Sheriff Department deputies. Agents saw the suspect “walking throughout the golf course grounds taking photographs and videos and appearing to monitor security-planning activities.” When Lomita sheriffs arrived, they determined Taele was being investigated for robbery by another police department.
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“During the detention, deputies recovered a 16-round magazine containing hollow point ammunition from Taele’s pants pocket,” LACSD said in a statement. “Deputies subsequently searched Taele’s vehicle and recovered a loaded pistol with a round chambered, along with an additional loaded magazine containing hollow point ammunition.”
Taele was arrested on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of prohibited ammunition. The department said the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service are also investigating the incident.
After obtaining a search warrant, FBI agents searched Taele’s home and found several firearms, including an illegally modified AR platform rifle, a semi-automatic pistol, an AR platform upper receiver, high-capacity magazines, and “bulk pistol and rifle ammunition.” Taele also had body armor, radio devices, and “multiple notebooks containing concerning statements.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and the case has been presented to the district attorney for consideration.
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“Currently, investigators have identified no credible threat to our communities. However, this case underscores the importance of vigilance, strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and the proactive steps taken to identify and investigate suspicious activity before it can escalate,” the LACSD said.
The arrest comes roughly two years after Ryan Wesley Routh attempted to assassinate Trump while the then-presidential candidate was golfing at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. A Secret Service agent noticed Routh, who was hiding in the bushes, and fired shots in his direction, prompting Routh to flee. He was later apprehended and arrested. A jury found Routh guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
