Armed Man Arrested at Trump Golf Club Ahead of California Fundraiser

Armed Suspect Detained at Donald Trump’s Golf Club

Weapons and Ammunition Found

FBI Investigation Continues

The arrest of an armed man at President Donald Trump’s golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, prompted a major law enforcement response just hours before the president was scheduled to attend a Republican fundraising event at the property.

Why it matters: The Trump golf club arrest comes amid heightened security surrounding the president’s visit, as federal and local authorities investigate whether the suspect posed any threat to the event or those attending.

A man was arrested after walking through the golf club grounds

Trump Golf Club Arrest Ahead of California Fundraiser – PHOTO: Shutterstock

Authorities in Los Angeles County said that on Sunday, August 2, they responded to an alert from plainclothes federal agents about a suspicious individual inside the property.

According to investigators, the man was seen walking around the grounds while taking photographs and recording videos of various areas of the golf club before he was stopped by deputies from the Lomita Sheriff’s Station.

Authorities identified the suspect as Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, California.

«Authorities arrested a man carrying ammunition who appeared to be monitoring security at Trump’s golf course near Los Angeles.»

During an initial search, deputies found a magazine loaded with 16 hollow-point rounds in one of his pockets.

Vehicle and home search expanded the investigation

After the arrest, deputies searched the suspect’s vehicle.

Inside, they found a loaded handgun with a round in the chamber, along with another magazine containing hollow-point ammunition.

«Taele was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited armor-piercing ammunition.»

Investigators from the Major Crimes Bureau, working alongside the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), later executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home.

According to authorities, they recovered additional firearms, high-capacity magazines, body armor, a large quantity of ammunition, and several notebooks containing what officials described as «concerning statements.»

The investigation also revealed that Taele was already under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department in connection with an alleged burglary when deputies encountered him.

Prosecutors filed additional charges against Jeanine John Taele

Authorities said the case was referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.

The suspect was later charged with several felony offenses, including second-degree burglary, possession of a large-capacity magazine, and possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun.

He also faces a misdemeanor charge for carrying a concealed firearm inside a vehicle.

During his initial court appearance, Taele pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The judge ordered him to stay away from Trump’s golf club and prohibited him from possessing firearms while the case proceeds.

His bail was set at $250,000.

Authorities have not confirmed whether he has legal representation, and family members could not be reached for comment.

Donald Trump’s visit proceeds amid political tensions

President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.

After his California visit, the president is expected to travel to Las Vegas to promote tax relief proposals, including plans to eliminate taxes on tips, Social Security benefits, and overtime pay.

His trip to California also comes amid ongoing political tensions with Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized the president for focusing on partisan events instead of addressing the impact of the 2025 wildfires.

Despite the discovery of weapons and ammunition, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that «there is no credible threat to our communities,» while the investigation into the Trump golf club arrest continues.

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SOURCE: EFE / NPR