Armed man arrested near Trump golf course before visit

Authorities arrested a man carrying ammunition near Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles County after he was seen taking photos and videos on the property days before President Trump’s planned visit for a Republican fundraising dinner, officials said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department identified the man as Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey. Deputies said plainclothes federal agents reported a suspicious person at the golf course at 1 Trump National Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes over the weekend.

“The individual was observed walking throughout the golf course grounds taking photographs and videos and appearing to monitor security-planning activities,” the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

CBS News, citing the sheriff’s department, reported the encounter happened Saturday afternoon. The BBC reported that the arrest took place Sunday afternoon.

When deputies approached Taele, they determined he was already under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department in connection with a separate incident, according to the sheriff’s department. Deputies detained him and found his vehicle in a golf course parking lot.

During the detention, deputies said they recovered a 16-round magazine containing hollow point ammunition from Taele’s pants pockets. A search of his vehicle turned up a loaded pistol with a round chambered and an additional loaded magazine containing hollow point ammunition, the department said.

Taele was arrested and booked on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of armor-piercing or prohibited ammunition, according to deputies.

“Recognizing the potential security implications surrounding the incident, detectives… obtained and executed a search warrant yesterday afternoon for Taele’s residence,” the sheriff’s department said.

Investigators said they found an illegally modified AR platform rifle, a 1911.45 caliber pistol, an AR platform upper receiver, body armor, high-capacity magazines, bulk pistol and rifle ammunition, two radio signal devices and multiple notebooks containing “concerning statements” at the residence.

The sheriff’s department said the investigation is being conducted with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service. Officials said additional charges could be added as the investigation continues.

“Taele remains in custody,” the department said. “The investigation is ongoing.”

Deputies said the case was presented Tuesday morning to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Trump was in Southern California on Tuesday to attend a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner hosted at his Rancho Palos Verdes golf course, according to CBS News. The BBC reported that Trump was visiting California for a Republican party fundraising dinner at the site.