Accused Trump Assassination Suspect Vem Miller Says Arrest Was Misunderstanding, Guns Were Lawful
Vem Miller denies allegations, insists he’s a loyal Trump supporter
In the wake of his arrest outside former President Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella, California, Vem Miller, 49, is pushing back against claims that he posed a threat to Trump’s life. Miller, speaking in his first extended interview since the incident, firmly denied any intent to assassinate the former president, stating that he is, in fact, a staunch Trump supporter.
Miller’s arrest on gun charges had stirred public speculation, particularly following two prior assassination attempts on Trump since July. However, Miller insists the arrest was a misunderstanding, and his possession of firearms was entirely lawful.
“100% a Trump Supporter”
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Miller stressed his loyalty to Trump, stating, “I am 100% a Trump supporter. The claims against me are false.” According to Miller, the firearms found in his vehicle were reported to the authorities at a security checkpoint leading up to Trump’s rally in Coachella. He explained that he regularly travels with guns but has never used them, describing the situation as part of his normal routine.
“I always travel around with my firearms in the back of my truck,” Miller said, emphasizing that he reported the weapons voluntarily when stopped by police at the rally’s security perimeter. The firearms included a loaded gun and high-capacity magazine, which triggered alarm among the authorities, leading to his arrest.
Arrest Sparks Speculation Amid Previous Attempts
Miller’s arrest came at a time of heightened security around Trump, following two recent assassination attempts. The July incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, saw a gunman’s bullet graze Trump’s ear, while a September case involved a man hiding with a rifle near Trump’s Palm Beach golf course. Given this context, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office took Miller’s possession of weapons seriously, with Sheriff Chad Bianco suggesting Miller’s intent might have been harmful.
However, Miller dismisses such assertions. He also argued that documents Sheriff Bianco referred to as fake, including press and VIP passes, were legitimate. Miller believes his swift release on a $5,000 bail underscores that the incident was misunderstood and not part of any plot.
No Federal Charges Filed
While Miller faces state charges for illegal possession of a loaded firearm, no federal charges have been brought against him. A joint statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Secret Service, and FBI acknowledged Miller’s arrest but clarified that Trump was never in immediate danger. “The U.S. Secret Service assesses that the incident did not impact protective operations,” the statement read, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.
As the legal process unfolds, Miller continues to maintain his innocence, asserting that his support for Trump has been misrepresented. “It’s just a misunderstanding,” he reiterated, hopeful that the public will soon see the situation in a clearer light.