Authorities arrested a man allegedly carrying ammunition near Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles County over the weekend, just days before the president was expected in Southern California for a Republican National Committee event on Tuesday.
According to a news release issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were alerted Saturday afternoon after plainclothes federal agents spotted a suspicious person on the property at 1 Trump National Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Officials said the person was seen moving around the golf course, taking photos and videos, and appearing to watch security-planning operations taking place on the grounds.
When deputies made contact with the man, identified as 38-year-old Downey resident Jeanine John Taele, they learned he was already the subject of a separate investigation by the El Segundo Police Department.
Deputies detained Taele and later found his vehicle parked on the golf course property, the department said. During the stop, authorities reported finding a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition in his pants pockets.
A subsequent search of Taele’s vehicle turned up a loaded handgun with a round in the chamber, along with another loaded magazine containing hollow-point rounds, deputies said.
Taele was taken into custody and booked on allegations of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing armor-piercing or otherwise prohibited ammunition, according to investigators.
Citing the possible security concerns tied to the incident, detectives later obtained a search warrant and served it at Taele’s home on Sunday afternoon, the sheriff’s department said.
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Investigators said that an illegally modified AR platform rifle, a 1911 .45 caliber pistol, an AR platform upper receiver, body armor, high-capacity magazines, bulk pistol and rifle ammunition, two radio signal devices and multiple notebooks containing “concerning statements” were recovered from the home.
Deputies said that the investigation is being conducted with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service.
“Additional charges could be added as the investigation continues. Taele remains in custody,” the release said. “The investigation is ongoing.”
Deputies said that the case was presented to the LA County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration on Tuesday morning.
President Trump is in Southern California on Tuesday for a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner hosted at his Rancho Palos Verdes golf course.
