The detainee was identified as Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect was seen touring the property while taking photographs and videos of the facilities and, according to authorities, "appeared to be monitoring security planning activities" deployed before the president's arrival.
Federal agents dressed in civilian clothes alerted about their presence, which led to an intervention by officers from the Lomita station. During the arrest, agents located a magazine with 16 hollow-point cartridges among his belongings. Later, when inspecting his vehicle, they found a loaded pistol with a cartridge in the chamber and another magazine with the same type of ammunition.
Taele was arrested on charges related to carrying a concealed firearm and possession of prohibited ammunition. The case was turned over to the Los Angeles County Prosecutor's Office, which will evaluate whether to file additional charges.
Search reveals arsenal and documents with “worrying statements”
As part of the investigation, detectives from the Sheriff's Department's Major Crimes Division, in coordination with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), executed a search warrant at the suspect's home, located in Downey. During the operation, an illegally modified AR-type rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, an AR-type rifle upper receiver, bulletproof vests, high-capacity magazines, abundant ammunition for short and long weapons, radio communication equipment and several notebooks that contained what authorities described as “worrying statements” were seized.
The investigation also has the participation of the United States Secret Service, in charge of presidential protection. So far, authorities have not reported evidence of a specific plan to attack Trump.
According to a federal source cited by CNN, investigators have found no indication that Taele was preparing an attack against the president. However, the case remains open while federal agencies analyze the seized material to determine if there are elements that justify additional charges or possible security risks.
Trump's visit to California occurs amid political differences with Governor Gavin Newsom and is part of a tour that also includes a trip to Las Vegas to promote tax initiatives promoted by his administration.
