A man carrying a concealed firearm was arrested near US President Donald Trump's golf course in Southern California days before the president was due to
attend a fundraising event there, authorities have said. Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies responded to Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes on Sunday after federal agents reported seeing a man taking photographs and appearing to monitor security preparations. The suspect was identified as Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey. According to the sheriff's department, deputies found a loaded magazine in his trouser pocket and later recovered a loaded handgun and additional ammunition from his vehicle in the club's car park. Authorities also said Taele was under investigation in a robbery case by the El Segundo Police Department. He was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited ammunition.
🚨 BREAKING: A HEAVILY ARMED MAN has been arrested outside Trump National Golf Club in California, after he CAMPED OUT before 47's visit
ANOTHER WOULD-BE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT.
On Sunday, Jeanine John Taele had an illegally modified AR, radio devices, a .45 caliber pistol, BODY… pic.twitter.com/Y3R6NdtTQj— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 4, 2026
On Monday, sheriff's detectives and FBI agents searched Mr Taele's home in Downey, where they recovered what authorities described as an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, a .45-calibre pistol, body armour, high-capacity magazines, bulk pistol ammunition, two radio signal devices and multiple notebooks containing what investigators called "concerning statements".
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing but added that they had identified "no credible threat to our communities."
The sheriff's department announced the arrest as President Trump was travelling aboard Air Force One to Los Angeles. The president is scheduled to headline a Republican Party fundraiser at his Rancho Palos Verdes golf course on Tuesday evening as part of a two-day visit to California and Nevada.
According to a White House spokesperson, Trump is expected to highlight his administration's tax cuts and border policies while criticising the "radical policies of Democrats like Gavin Newsom."
On Wednesday, he is due to deliver remarks on the economy at a casino in Las Vegas before returning to Washington.
The fundraiser marks Trump's second visit to Los Angeles since returning to office. His previous visit came in January 2025, when he toured areas affected by the Pacific Palisades wildfire.
