A California man was arrested Sunday at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, after allegedly photographing and monitoring security preparations ahead of President Donald Trump's visit, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, was detained by plainclothes federal agents who observed him on the golf course grounds taking photographs and videos. Deputies from the Lomita Sheriff's Station responded and determined Taele was already under investigation for robbery by the El Segundo Police Department.
During a pat-down, deputies reportedly found a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition in Taele's pocket. A subsequent search of his vehicle, parked in the golf course lot, revealed a loaded pistol with a round chambered and an additional loaded magazine containing hollow-point ammunition.
Taele was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited ammunition. The discovery prompted the Sheriff's Department's Major Crimes Bureau, assigned to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, to obtain a search warrant for Taele's home in Downey.
Investigators at Taele's residence recovered an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, an AR-platform upper receiver, body armor, high-capacity magazines, bulk ammunition for both pistols and rifles, two radio signal devices, and multiple notebooks containing what authorities described as "concerning statements."
The investigation is a joint effort involving the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the U.S. Secret Service. Officials indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday for consideration of charges. Taele remains in custody.
Authorities have stated that no credible threat to the surrounding community has been identified, but the investigation is ongoing. The President's visit to the golf course was scheduled for Sunday.