Armed Man Arrested At Trump Golf Club Ahead Of President’s California Visit
A heavily armed California man was arrested at President Donald J. Trump’s golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes after federal agents allegedly spotted him taking photographs and videos while appearing to monitor security preparations ahead of the president’s scheduled visit.
Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, was detained Sunday after plainclothes federal agents noticed him walking around the grounds of Trump National Golf Club. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded around 3:30 p.m. and discovered that Taele was also under investigation by El Segundo police in connection with a robbery.
Authorities said Taele had a loaded ammunition magazine in his pocket when he was detained. Investigators subsequently discovered a loaded pistol and additional ammunition inside his vehicle, which was parked at the golf club. He was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited ammunition.
The investigation took an even more alarming turn Monday when sheriff’s detectives and FBI agents searched Taele’s home in Downey. Authorities said they discovered an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, a .45-caliber handgun, body armor, high-capacity magazines and a large quantity of pistol ammunition.
Investigators also recovered multiple notebooks containing what authorities described as “concerning statements,” along with two radio signal devices. Officials have not publicly revealed what was written in the notebooks or explained what Taele may have intended to do.
The timing immediately raised security concerns because President Trump was scheduled to appear at the same golf club Tuesday evening for a Republican fundraiser. The arrest was publicly announced as Trump was traveling aboard Air Force One to Southern California for the event.
Despite the disturbing collection of weapons and Taele’s alleged interest in security preparations, authorities said investigators had identified “no credible threat to our communities.” The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement works to determine why Taele was allegedly monitoring the golf course and what significance, if any, the recovered notebooks and equipment may have.
President Trump’s California appearance is part of a two-day western swing that will also take him to Nevada. He is expected to use the trip to promote his administration’s tax cuts, border security policies and economic agenda while contrasting his record with Democratic leaders in California.