Man carrying ammunition arrested near Trump National Golf Club before president's Southern California trip
Key Points:
- A man identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele was arrested near Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles County after authorities found a loaded pistol, ammunition, and other weapons in his car and home, days before former President Trump's planned visit.
- Taele was observed on the golf course taking photos and videos while appearing to monitor security activities, and he had falsely identified himself as a U.S. State Department employee seeking to see Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- A search of Taele's residence uncovered an illegally modified AR rifle, additional firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines, and notebooks with concerning statements referencing the White House.
- He was charged with carrying a concealed firearm, possession of prohibited ammunition, and possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, facing up to 10 years in federal prison, with additional charges possible as the investigation continues.
- The investigation is ongoing and involves the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; authorities emphasized the incident was prevented before the President's visit.