In an unusual incident near the Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Los Angeles deputies have apprehended a 36-year-old man from Arizona. The suspect, identified as Sean Steiner from Glendale, was reportedly seen running through traffic while equipped with a loaded rifle, painted in a style reminiscent of The Joker from the “Batman” series, and protected by a heavy-duty ballistic vest.
According to witness reports, Steiner was spotted earlier hiking in the vicinity, carrying a duffel bag, a step stool, and the rifle. The situation escalated when he allegedly dashed into traffic on Palos Verdes Drive South around 5 p.m. on March 29, prompting concerned onlookers to alert authorities.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered the rifle adorned in green and purple hues, complete with the iconic phrase “HA HA HA HA” and the notable line “Why so serious?” made famous by Heath Ledger’s portrayal of The Joker. The firearm’s tip had been painted orange, akin to a toy gun, which added another layer of concern for the responding officers.
Authorities also revealed that Steiner faces multiple firearm-related felony charges. In addition to possessing the semiautomatic rifle disguised as a toy, he is accused of discharging a handgun in a nearby brush area before making his way into traffic.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Lomita Station issued a statement indicating that not only was the rifle loaded, with a round in the chamber and a full magazine, but Steiner also confessed to firing one of the pistols to “release some anger” in the vicinity of a landslide area. This case highlights the unpredictable nature of public safety challenges faced by law enforcement.
“Not only was the rifle loaded with a round in the chamber and a full magazine inserted…he admitted he had just fired one of the pistols near the landslide area to ‘get some anger out,’” according to a statement from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Lomita Station.
The Los Angeles Sheriff Department’s Lomita Station released this image showing a man identified as 36-year-old Arizonan Sean Steiner walking with a Joker-inspired rifle and body armor near a Trump-owned golf course in California. (Lomita Sheriff’s Station)
Steiner’s vest was capable of stopping rifle rounds, according to authorities.
They also said they found two loaded handguns, high-capacity magazines and extra ammo.
“Let that sink in,” authorities wrote. “An armed individual, firing a weapon, walking through traffic and trails… in a populated area.”
The sheriff’s department credited witnesses who called in the sighting before anyone was hurt and reminded the public of the phrase, “if you see something, say something.”
Steiner faces multiple felony firearm charges, authorities said. Jail records show he was booked on March 29 and released on bond on April 1.
A search of Steiner’s name and date of birth in Arizona court records showed only a 2021 speeding ticket for which he was ordered to take a defense driving class.
View of Trump National Golf Club on March 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Public records show he also lived in Wisconsin previously, where a man with his same name and date of birth was found guilty of a misdemeanor drunken driving charge in 2008.
Steiner could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday morning.
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