In an unexpected development, a self-identified Donald Trump supporter was arrested outside the former president’s rally in Coachella on Saturday.
Vem Miller, 49, was taken into custody after reportedly using fake VIP credentials and being discovered with illegal firearms.
Since his arrest, Miller has publicly insisted that he had no intention of harming the former president.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept is LYING about “Third possible as*as*instion attempt” on @realDonaldTrump. 🚨🚨🚨
— The Patriot Voice (@TPV_John) October 13, 2024
They stated a man named Vem Miller was stopped at a checkpoint outside of the rally with multiple firearms, including handguns and shotguns, as well as high… pic.twitter.com/eHDCW5JElz
“I’m an artist, I’m the last person that would cause any violence and harm to anybody,” he told the Press Enterprise, dismissing the accusations as “complete bulls***.”
The registered Republican confirmed his political stance to Fox News, stating, “Yes, I’m 100% a Trump supporter.”
Miller shared his political journey, stating that he initially supported Democrat Barack Obama but has since transitioned to libertarianism and the Republican Party.
“I’m certainly more Republican now,” Miller told Fox, dubbing Trump “a visual example of freedom of speech.”
“This is a man that I deeply admire, because I was a closet individual in terms of my beliefs, because I worked in Hollywood,” Miller continued.
“As my politics started to change, I realized that Hollywood is a homogenous community,’ he added.”
JUST IN: Vem Miller, the man accused of a so-called "third Trump assassination attempt" denies these reports and pushes back in a statement released online.
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) October 14, 2024
Miller states he is a Trump supporter who was invited to be at the Coachella rally. He adds that he told officers he had… pic.twitter.com/TcV5hs6l86
Concerning the firearms discovered in his vehicle, Miller stated that he keeps them for protection against death threats. He stressed his lack of experience with weapons, saying, “I’ve literally never even shot a gun in my life. I don’t know anything about guns.”
The incident has prompted scrutiny of security protocols at political events.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco indicated that Miller might be involved with an anti-government “sovereign citizens” movement, a claim Miller vehemently denies.
“That’s a ridiculous statement. I don’t believe there’s such a thing,” Miller said, dismissing any association with right-wing anti-government groups.
According to the Daily Mail, court documents indicate a complicated legal history for Miller, which includes allegations of child kidnapping and dismissed lawsuits.
In an exclusive interview with the outlet, Miller’s friend and business partner, right-wing documentarian Mindy Robinson, came to his defense. Miller’s background also includes a contentious divorce and custody dispute with his ex-wife, Sonia Gulian.
🔴 Friend of Man Arrested Over 'Third Trump Assassination Attempt' Drops Shock Claimhttps://t.co/YPilhdfrnJ
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) October 14, 2024
Robinson characterized Miller as a journalist and documentarian, highlighting his enduring support for Trump.
The man they just arrested for supposedly "trying to kill" Trump in Coachella….is my good friend and business partner for America Happens, Vem Miller.
— Mindy MF Robinson 🇺🇸 (@iheartmindy) October 13, 2024
Vem had just exposed a huge Deep State cover-up involving the Feds and the Bundy Ranch scandal. So I firmly believe this is… pic.twitter.com/yYYaZIJYf1
The incident has attracted attention from federal agencies.
Sources from the Secret Service informed the New York Post that they do not believe Miller intended to kill Trump, and the FBI is not treating the incident as an assassination attempt.
Despite the controversy, Miller was released on a $10,000 bail.
The Trump campaign has minimized the threat, with a source close to the campaign asserting that Miller was taken into custody before he could pose any risk.
As the situation develops, questions linger regarding the circumstances of Miller’s arrest and its implications for security at future political events.
