Armed Man Arrested Near Trump Golf Club Ahead of Visit

Police arrested a 38-year-old armed man near a Trump golf course in Los Angeles County on Sunday, following the discovery of weapons and ammunition in his vehicle and home.

Suspicious Activity at the Golf Facility

Police arrested a man on Sunday after authorities stated he was observing security preparations for Donald Trump’s visit. Thirty-eight-year-old Jeanine John Taele was taking photographs and recording videos on the facility grounds, with a 16-round magazine in his pocket.

Officers found a loaded handgun and an additional magazine in his vehicle parked in a nearby parking lot, according to a Tuesday statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Home Search and Weapon Seizure

During a search of his home in the nearby city of Downey on Monday, officers secured a large number of firearms, magazines, and ammunition, body armor, and notebooks containing “disturbing notes.” However, the sheriff’s department did not provide details.

It remains unknown whether the man planned an attack against the president or any other event. The arrest information was announced as Trump prepared to arrive for a fundraising dinner for the Republican National Committee at the Trump National Golf Course near Los Angeles, AP noted.

Charges and Court Appearance

Taele was charged with second-degree robbery, illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, and possession of a rifle or shotgun with an unlawful barrel length, according to AP. He was also charged with a misdemeanor for carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

On Monday, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court ordered him to stay away from the golf course and prohibited him from possessing weapons, setting his bail at 250,000 dollars while the investigation continues. The sheriff’s office also reported that during Sunday’s intervention, it was determined that Taele was under police investigation in connection with a suspected robbery.

Prior Florida Golf Club Incident

In 2025, a grand jury found another man guilty of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at the president’s golf club in Florida. The event occurred on September 15, 2024, when a Secret Service agent noticed a man with a gun protruding from the bushes.

The suspect suddenly aimed a rifle at the agent, who opened fire in response. The man fled but was later apprehended.