Armed man arrested near Trump golf course in California ahead of president’s visit

Armed man arrested near Trump golf course in California ahead of president’s visit Jeanine John Taele was found to be carrying hollow-point ammunition in his pocket and a loaded weapon in his vehicle - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Hours before President Donald Trump’s visit to his Rancho Palos Verdes golf club, Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators announced Tuesday that a man had been arrested over the weekend after allegedly taking photos and videos at the property while “appearing to monitor security-planning activities.” Authorities said Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, was arrested Sunday after deputies found hollow-point ammunition in his pocket and a loaded firearm inside his vehicle, which was parked at Trump National Golf Club. A subsequent search of his home uncovered additional firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines and multiple notebooks containing what investigators described as “concerning statements,” officials said. Officials did not disclose the contents of the notebooks. Trump is scheduled to speak Tuesday evening at a Republican National Committee fundraiser at the golf club. Taele was being held without bail, according to county jail records. According to the District Attorney's Office, Taele was charged Tuesday with manufacturing, importing, keeping for sale, giving or receiving a large-capacity magazine; possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun; and a count of second-degree robbery that allegedly occurred in November 2025, all felonies. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He was scheduled to appear in a Torrance courtroom Tuesday afternoon for arraignment. There was no immediate word on whether that hearing had been held. According to the sheriff's department, deputies were called to the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes around 3:30 p.m. Sunday by federal agents who spotted a "suspicious individual" on the property. "The individual was observed walking throughout the golf course grounds taking photographs and videos and appearing to monitor security- planning activities," sheriff's officials said in a statement. Deputies detained Taele and discovered he was being investigated by police in El Segundo on suspicion of robbery. While detaining Taele, deputies found a 16-round magazine containing hollow-point ammunition in a pants pocket. Deputies also searched his vehicle and found "a loaded pistol with a round chambered, along with an additional loaded magazine containing hollow point ammunition," according to the sheriff's department. Sheriff's detectives assigned to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force served a warrant Monday at Taele's home. According to the sheriff's department, investigators found: - an illegally modified AR platform rifle - a 1911 .45-caliber pistol - an AR platform upper receiver - body armor - high-capacity magazines - bulk pistol and rifle ammunition - multiple notebooks containing "concerning statements" - two radio signal devices It was unclear if the "concerning statements" included any threats of violence toward Trump. "Currently, investigators have identified no credible threat to our communities," according to a sheriff's department statement. "However, this case underscores the importance of vigilance, strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and the proactive steps taken to identify and investigate suspicious activity before it can escalate." Trump is expected to be the headline speaker at an RNC dinner at the Rancho Palos Verdes golf club Tuesday night. According to the White House, he is expected to make remarks on his administration's economic policies and successes in reducing crime. He is also expected to level criticism at Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential presidential candidate. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] 40 FrunpNationalGolf Clu