Armed Man Arrested at Trump's California Golf Course Days Before Fundraiser

A California man carrying a loaded gun and ammunition was arrested at President Donald Trump's golf course near Los Angeles after deputies said he appeared to be watching security plans before the President's fundraising visit.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, was first seen on July 31 walking around Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. He was wearing an earpiece and taking photos and videos of security activity. Deputies said he returned to the course on August 2, just two days before Trump's Republican National Committee fundraiser, leading officers to stop and question him.

Investigators said Taele first claimed he was part of a US State Department security team before admitting there was a firearm inside his pickup truck. Deputies found a 16 round magazine with prohibited ammunition in his pocket. A search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded 9mm pistol, another loaded magazine, binoculars, and a fake security protection agent badge.

A search of his home the next day found several firearms, an illegally modified AR style rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, body armour, communication devices, high capacity magazines, large amounts of ammunition and notebooks containing what authorities called concerning statements. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, the US Secret Service and local investigators are continuing the case, and officials say more charges could be filed.

Taele has pleaded not guilty to multiple weapons charges. A judge set his bail at USD 250,000 and ordered him to stay away from the golf course and not possess firearms while the case is pending. He is also being investigated in a separate robbery case by the El Segundo Police Department.

Trump's fundraiser went ahead as planned. Authorities said they have found no credible threat to the President or the public. Investigators have not announced a motive or said the suspect was planning an attack, but the investigation remains ongoing. The incident comes after several security threats targeting Trump in recent years, including the attempted assassination at his Florida golf course.