Man Arrested at Trump Golf Course with Ammunition and Firearms
Law enforcement officials have reported the arrest of a man at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The incident occurred on Sunday, just two days before a planned fundraiser for President Donald Trump. The individual, identified as Jeanine John Taele, was found with ammunition and a gun in his vehicle.
The entrance to Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., July 2020. John Antczak/AP
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detailed that Taele, 38, was found taking photos and videos, carrying a 16-round magazine filled with ammunition. A loaded pistol was also discovered in his vehicle. A subsequent search of his Downey residence revealed multiple firearms, ammunition, body armor, and notebooks with concerning statements.
As President Trump prepared to attend a Republican National Committee fundraising event at the Rancho Palos Verdes golf course, the sheriff’s department announced Taele’s arrest. Facing multiple felony charges, including second-degree robbery and possession of a large-capacity magazine, Taele also faced a misdemeanor charge for carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.
Taele entered a plea of not guilty to all charges on Monday. As part of the court’s conditions, he must maintain distance from the golf course and is prohibited from possessing any weapons. His bail has been established at $250,000.
There is currently no information on whether Taele has legal representation, and attempts to contact family members have been unsuccessful. According to the sheriff’s department, Taele was also under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department for robbery at the time of his arrest.
Authorities have reassured the public, stating there is “no credible threat to our communities.”
