The man arrested on weapons charges while en route to a rally for former President Donald Trump in California has denied claims that he intended to kill the ex-president. Vem Miller, 49, who was taken into custody near the Coachella Valley rally on Saturday, dismissed the accusations as “bullsh-t,” insisting he is a Trump supporter.
Miller, who was found with a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and ammunition in his vehicle at a police checkpoint, was accused by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco of planning to assassinate Trump. Bianco stated he "truly" believes his officers thwarted what could have been the third assassination attempt against the former president.
However, Miller expressed shock at the allegations, telling the Southern California News Group on Sunday, "These accusations are complete bullsh-t. I’m an artist, I’m the last person that would cause any violence and harm to anybody."
Miller, reportedly a member of a far-right anti-government group, said he was invited to the rally by the head of the Clark County GOP Party and was wearing a Trump shirt and hat at the time of his arrest. He claimed the firearms were purchased legally in 2022 for personal protection and that he informed deputies about the weapons before being detained.
Contradicting the sheriff's claim that he used a fake press pass, Miller said he presented a "special entry pass" at the checkpoint. He further denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was unaware of the difference between California’s and Nevada’s gun laws, where he resides. Miller, a registered Republican who unsuccessfully ran for office in Nevada in 2022, was released on $5,000 bail.
Although the Secret Service and FBI are investigating, they issued a joint statement saying that the incident "did not impact protective operations" and that Trump was not in any immediate danger. No federal arrest has been made, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Sheriff Bianco, however, stood by his assessment, stating that Miller’s actions—combined with the discovery of fake passports, driver's licenses, and an unregistered vehicle—suggested a more sinister intent. "Common sense and reason" indicate that Miller may have had Trump in his sights, Bianco said.
This incident comes after two previous assassination attempts on Trump, one in July at a rally in Pennsylvania and another in September at Trump’s Florida golf course. Both attempts were foiled by law enforcement and Secret Service agents.
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