Armed man arrested outside Trump golf club; gun, rifle found during home search

A 38-year-old man carrying a hidden firearm was arrested outside US President Donald Trump's golf club in California after authorities said he appeared to be monitoring security preparations ahead of a Republican Committee fundraiser.

The incident occurred on Sunday outside Trump Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect, identified as Jeanine John Taele, was taking photographs and videos on the property while appearing to observe security-related activities.

Trump was travelling to California when authorities announced the arrest. He is scheduled to attend the Republican Committee dinner at the golf course on Tuesday evening.

According to CNN, citing federal law enforcement sources, the US Secret Service is investigating whether Taele posed any threat to Trump.

However, officials said there is currently no indication that he was plotting an attack on the President, though the investigation remains ongoing.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Taele was initially arrested on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited ammunition.

As per an AP report, Taele was carrying a 16-round magazine loaded with ammunition in his pocket when he was arrested, while a loaded pistol was recovered from his vehicle.

Officials have also confirmed that he was already under investigation in connection with a robbery case.

A search warrant was executed at Taele's home on Monday by detectives assigned to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force due to the "potential security implications" of the incident, the sheriff's department said.

According to Fox News, investigators recovered an illegally modified AR-style rifle, body armour, high-capacity magazines, ammunition and notebooks containing what authorities described as "concerning statements."

Authorities also seized a .45-calibre pistol, radio signal devices and additional ammunition from the residence.

According to AP, Taele has since been charged with multiple felony offences, including second-degree robbery, receiving a large-capacity magazine and possession of a short-barrelled rifle or shotgun, in addition to a misdemeanour charge of carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday and was ordered to stay away from Trump Golf Club and not possess any weapons. His bail was set at $250,000.

US Attorney Bill Essayli said the investigation remains active.

In a post on X, he said his office, along with the FBI's Los Angeles field office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is reviewing the evidence and will provide further information when possible.

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and the US Secret Service are continuing to assist in the investigation, and officials have said additional charges could be filed as the probe progresses.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said investigators have "identified no credible threat to our communities," adding that the case underscores the importance of coordination between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in responding to suspicious activity before it escalates.

The arrest comes nearly a year after a jury convicted a man of attempting to assassinate Trump at his Florida golf club in 2024, a case that concluded with a guilty verdict in 2025.

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