Trump rally arrest: Armed man denies intent to harm former President

Vem Miller, the armed suspect arrested en route to Donald Trump’s California rally, denied allegations that he intended to harm the former president, calling the claims "bullsh-t."

Miller, 49, was taken into custody on Saturday near the Coachella Valley rally after Riverside County sheriff deputies found a pair of guns and ammunition in his vehicle at a checkpoint.

While Sheriff Chad Bianco stated that he "truly" believed Miller was stopped before a potential assassination attempt against the Republican candidate, Miller told the Southern California News Group on Sunday that the accusations shocked him. "I'm an artist", Miller said, "the last person who would cause any violence or harm to anyone."

Miller, a self-described Trump supporter, claimed he was invited to the rally by a GOP official from Clark County and was wearing a Trump shirt and hat when he was stopped. He said he voluntarily told deputies about the firearms in his trunk, explaining that they were purchased for personal protection in 2022.

According to Miller, he was held in custody for hours without being informed of the charges or allowed to contact a lawyer until later. The Las Vegas resident added that both FBI and Secret Service agents questioned him about the incident after his arrest.