Armed man arrested at Trump golf course in California

A man armed with a loaded pistol, multiple ammunition magazines, and an assault rifle was arrested at a Donald Trump golf course in California. The suspect, identified as Jeanine John Taele, drew suspicion after being seen "walking around the golf course, taking photographs and filming and appearing to surveil security-related activities," according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The arrest occurred on Sunday at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, just two days before Trump's scheduled visit for a fundraising dinner. Sheriff's deputies found a 16-round magazine in Taele's pants pocket. A subsequent search of his car uncovered a loaded pistol and another magazine with ammunition.

Investigators, including the FBI's counter-terrorism division, then searched Taele's home in Downey, a Los Angeles suburb. There, they discovered an assault rifle, a pistol, body armor, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, two broadcasting devices, and "several notebooks containing disturbing statements."

Prosecutors are reviewing the case to determine charges. The incident adds to a history of security concerns surrounding Donald Trump, who has been the target of multiple alleged assassination attempts. In July 2024, he was injured by a shooter during a campaign rally, and in September of the same year, an armed man was arrested near a Trump golf club while the former president was playing.

Trump's visit to the California golf course was for a fundraising event for the Republican National Committee, occurring approximately three months before the midterm elections. His visits to California, a Democratic stronghold, are infrequent.