The operatives of Sheriff Deputies assigned to protect a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California in the United States have foiled another assassination attempt on the former president.

This was after the security operatives arrested a man found illegally in possession of shotgun and a loaded handgun near the rally.

Sheriff Deputies disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

It said the deputies, manning a checkpoint near the rally, arrested 49-year-old Vem Miller of Las Vegas as he drove up in a black SUV.

They later booked him at a local detention centre on charges of possessing a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine.

“This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event,” the statement said.

‘He’s safe’: U.S. Secret Service foils second assassination attempt on Trump

The sheriff’s office offered no immediate information on Miller’s intentions. He was released on bail and faces a court hearing on January 2, AFP reported.

But coming on the heels of two assassination attempts – one in Pennsylvania in which a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, and a second, aborted attempt at his Florida golf course – the arrest raised concerns.

Both incidents highlight the challenges of keeping presidential candidates safe in a hotly contested and polarized campaign with just over seven weeks to go before the November 5 election.

There was no immediate comment from either the Trump campaign or the U.S. Secret Service, which is charged with protecting top officials and candidates.

The sheriff’s office said it would provide additional details at a briefing later. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco addressed Trump supporters at the rally in Coachella on Saturday.

Trump’s decision to hold a rally in California surprised political analysts, who note that the state is heavily Democratic, but he drew a large crowd, even in temperatures near 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius).

Coachella is known for its annual music festival.

The Star