Federal authorities arrested a California man near President Donald Trump’s scheduled event at his Rancho Palos Verdes golf course after investigators say he was carrying multiple firearms and tactical equipment, prompting a joint investigation involving the FBI, Secret Service, and local law enforcement.
According to the New York Post, the suspect was identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele of Downey, California. Plainclothes FBI agents monitoring the area reportedly observed Taele behaving suspiciously on the golf course grounds Sunday afternoon, where he was allegedly photographing and recording video of the property before being detained.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lomita Station responded to the scene at approximately 3:28 p.m on Sunday. After contacting Taele, investigators learned he was already under investigation in an unrelated robbery case by the El Segundo Police Department.
A search of Taele allegedly uncovered a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition. Authorities then searched his vehicle, where they say they recovered a handgun with a round chambered, additional magazines, an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, body armor, radio signal devices, and multiple notebooks containing what investigators described as “concerning statements.”
Taele was arrested on state weapons charges, including carrying a concealed firearm with prohibited ammunition. Investigators later executed a search warrant at his residence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials said the case remains active and is being handled by local authorities in coordination with the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service. Authorities also said they do not believe there are any additional active threats connected to the incident.
Trump is expected to travel to California to discuss his administration’s economic agenda, immigration policy, and other issues.
Although investigators have not yet characterized Sunday’s incident as an assassination attempt, it comes after several high-profile threats targeting the president since 2024.
During a July 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was wounded when a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop. The bullet grazed Trump’s ear, while one attendee was killed and others were injured before the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot by Secret Service personnel.
A second alleged assassination attempt occurred later that year at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Prosecutors say Ryan Routh positioned himself near the course with a rifle before being spotted by Secret Service agents, who opened fire as he fled. He was later arrested and subsequently convicted in connection with the plot.
More recently, authorities accused 31-year-old Cole Allen of targeting members of the Trump administration after he allegedly approached a security checkpoint near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner armed with a rifle. Investigators said writings attributed to Allen indicated he intended to attack administration officials, including Trump.
