Security concerns intensified in Southern California after an armed man was arrested at President Donald Trump’s golf course just two days before the president was scheduled to appear at the property.
The suspect, identified by authorities as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele of Downey, was taken into custody Sunday at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. Federal agents reportedly noticed him walking around the property, taking photographs and recording videos while appearing to observe ongoing security preparations.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies approached Taele and discovered that he had a loaded 16-round magazine containing ammunition in his pocket. Investigators later searched his vehicle, which was parked at the golf course, and allegedly found a loaded pistol with a round in the chamber.
The arrest triggered a wider investigation involving the FBI. Authorities searched Taele’s Downey residence Monday and reportedly recovered additional firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, radio communication equipment and notebooks containing what officials described as “concerning statements.”
The alarming discovery came as Trump prepared to visit the California golf club for a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner. Despite the suspicious circumstances and the weapons allegedly recovered, law enforcement officials said investigators had not identified a credible threat to the president or surrounding communities.
Taele was charged with several offenses, including second-degree robbery, possession of a large-capacity magazine and possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun. He also faced a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed firearm inside a vehicle.
The suspect pleaded not guilty Monday. A judge reportedly ordered him to stay away from the Trump golf course and prohibited him from possessing firearms. His bail was set at $250,000.
Authorities are continuing to investigate why Taele was allegedly photographing the property and monitoring security activity ahead of the presidential visit.
