Armed man arrested at Trump golf course days before president’s visit
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
A man was arrested near President Donald Trump’s California golf course just days before the president’s planned visit, authorities said, after he was observed acting suspiciously and monitoring security preparations.
Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, California, was taken into custody on the afternoon of August 2, outside Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Plainclothes federal agents first spotted him walking the grounds, taking photos and videos, and watching security-planning activities.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies from the Lomita Station responded around 3:28 p.m. and made contact with him.
During a pat-down, deputies recovered a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition from Taele’s pants pocket.
A search of his vehicle in the golf course parking lot turned up a loaded pistol with a round chambered and another loaded magazine containing hollow-point rounds.
He was arrested on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of prohibited ammunition.
Officials noted he was already under investigation for robbery by the El Segundo Police Department.
The next day, detectives from the Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau assigned to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force executed a search warrant at Taele’s Downey home.
Investigators recovered an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, a 1911 .45-caliber pistol, body armor, high-capacity magazines, bulk ammunition, two radio signal devices, and multiple notebooks containing “concerning statements.”
The case has been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, with additional charges pending.
The joint investigation continues with the FBI and US Secret Service. “Law enforcement has identified no current credible threat to the surrounding communities,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed, while the probe remains active.
President Trump was scheduled to arrive in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday evening for a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner at the same golf club.
The White House framed the stop as an opportunity to highlight economic achievements.
“President Trump will visit California on Tuesday to tout his wins for the people of the Golden State despite failed Democrat leadership: the largest middle-class tax cut ever, the most secure border in American history, and a plummeting crime rate,” White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office criticized the timing of the visit.
“Donald Trump is coming to Los Angeles County to raise money while wildfire survivors are still waiting for the federal recovery funding he promised 18 months ago. Californians deserve a president focused on helping families rebuild — not raising money for himself at his golf course,” the statement read.
