A “suspicious man” has been arrested at one of Donald Trump’s golf courses – just before the President is due to visit.
Jeanine John Taele, 38, from California, was arrested at the Trump National Golf Club Rancho Palos Verdes after taking photos and videos at the golf course, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Plain-clothes federal officers spotted him stalking around the golf course grounds as he appeared to monitor the course’s security-planning activities, authorities said.
Deputies from the Lomita Sheriff’s Station said Taele was already under investigation for robbery by the El Segundo Police Department.
During a search of the man, police allegedly recovered a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition in his trouser pocket.
Searching his vehicle, police found another pistol, loaded with a round in the chamber, and a loaded magazine containing hollow-point ammunition.
Taele was then arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited ammunition.
The President, who is now at his golf club, was aboard Air Force One as police announced the arrest.
Trump National Golf Club, California, will host a Republican National Committee dinner this evening
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GETTY
He is set to attend a Republican National Committee dinner at the National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes – around 30 miles south of central Los Angeles.
Authorities including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force then obtained a search warrant to conduct a search of Taele’s home in Downey – where they found a cache of weapons.
Weapons seized by authorities included an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, a .45-calibre pistol, high capacity magazines, bulk pistol, and rifle ammunition.
Also found in the property was body armour, two radio signal devices and multiple notebooks which contained “concerning statements”, according to authorities.
The President was aboard Marine One as it arrived at his National Golf Club in California
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REUTERS
The US Secret Service, a law enforcement agency which protects the President and other politicians, is now investigating if Taele posed a threat to Mr Trump.
There is no current indication an imminent attack on the President was being planned, a law enforcement source told CNN.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and US Secret Service are all now helping the investigation.
Further charges could be filed as the investigation continues, authorities said.
There is no credible threat to communities at the moment, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement released on Tuesday.
The US Secret Service is now investigating if Taele was plotting an attack against Donald Trump
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REUTERS
“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,” the force added.
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom used Mr Trump’s visit to Los Angeles to accuse him of not helping the survivors of the city’s wildfires last year.
On social media, Mr Newsom said: “Donald Trump promised he’d ‘take care’ of Los Angeles firestorm survivors.
“18 months later, he’s flying back to LA. Not to help, but to host a fundraiser at his golf club.
“Do the right thing, Mr President.”
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