COACHELLA, Calif. — A man carrying multiple passports and weapons was arrested outside a rally for former President Donald Trump in Coachella, according to Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. The suspect, identified as Vem Miller, was taken into custody after law enforcement observed suspicious behavior near the event’s VIP area.
Sheriff Bianco stated that the man, an apparent Trump supporter, approached the perimeter of the rally and appeared to be attempting to gain access to a restricted area. “He gave all indications that he belonged there,” Bianco said. However, a routine check by deputies uncovered several irregularities.
Deputies inspecting Miller’s vehicle noticed it was in disarray and that the car had a fake license plate, which prompted further investigation. Inside the vehicle, officers found multiple passports and driver’s licenses under different names, according to Bianco. Additionally, a loaded handgun and shotgun were recovered.
“The vehicle was unregistered and the license plate was homemade,” Bianco said, describing it as indicative of individuals who claim to be sovereign citizens—a group known for rejecting government authority.