A 49-year-old Nevada man was arrested Saturday night at a security checkpoint outside former President Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella, California, after authorities discovered loaded firearms and ammunition in his vehicle.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported that deputies assigned to the rally stopped a black SUV driven by the Las Vegas resident. A search of the vehicle revealed a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and ammunition. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.
“This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event,” the Sheriff’s Department stated. The suspect was released on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, 2025.
The rally, held in the Southern California desert east of Los Angeles, featured extensive security measures. Media members and VIP ticket holders were routed through multiple law enforcement checkpoints, with vehicles thoroughly searched, including by K-9 units. General ticket holders were bused to the site from a location three miles away.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has scheduled a news conference to discuss the arrest further. Trump’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.
