A 38-year-old California man was arrested on Sunday near US President Donald Trump’s golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, shortly before the president arrived for a scheduled visit.
The man drew the attention of plainclothes FBI agents operating in the area, according to authorities. Agents found a loaded handgun and a magazine containing ammunition inside his vehicle.
A subsequent search of his home uncovered numerous firearms, ammunition, protective vests, and notebooks containing material that authorities described as concerning. Officials said no concrete threat had been identified, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Initial findings showed that authorities seized an improperly modified AR rifle, a .45 caliber 1911 handgun, two radios, a protective vest, and high-capacity magazines.
During a search of the suspect, investigators also found a magazine containing 16 hollow-point rounds. The handgun discovered in his vehicle was loaded, with a round already in the chamber.
Trump attends fundraising event at the golf club
The suspect had already been under investigation by El Segundo police on suspicion of robbery. He was also arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon and possessing prohibited ammunition.
Investigators from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force searched his home in Downey on Monday. The case was later transferred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review, and additional charges are expected to be filed.
Trump had been scheduled to attend a Republican National Committee dinner at his golf course Tuesday evening.
Gunshots heard at annual White House dinner earlier this year
About four months earlier, gunshots were heard during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting Secret Service agents to remove Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance from the stage.
The incident began before the entertainment program started, when a man carrying several weapons charged toward security checkpoints in the hotel lobby from about 50 meters away.
A confrontation followed, during which shots were fired and a Secret Service agent was shot at close range.
Security personnel quickly evacuated Trump, the vice president, and other senior officials from the head table to a secure area. A rapid response team then subdued the suspect and removed him from the premises.