Another assassination attempt? Armed suspect arrested near Trump's golf course

Law enforcement in California arrested a 38-year-old man suspected of documenting security arrangements at Trump's golf club in Los Angeles, two days before a fundraising event. In his pocket was a magazine for 16 bullets, and in his car a loaded gun. At his home, weapons, ammunition, and notebooks with 'concerning statements' were seized. He was charged with weapons and robbery offenses and pleaded not guilty. Authorities emphasized there is no credible threat to communities.

Law enforcement in California arrested a 38-year-old man this week after he was seen documenting security preparations at the golf club of U.S. President Donald Trump in the Los Angeles area, two days before a fundraising event that was supposed to take place there. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect, Janin John Taale, took photos and videos of security arrangements. In his pocket was a magazine for 16 bullets with ammunition, and in his car a loaded gun was found. Later, investigators searched his home in the city of Downey, where many weapons, magazines, ammunition, a protective vest, and notebooks containing 'concerning statements' were seized. Authorities did not detail what was written in the notebooks or say whether the man planned to attack the president or the event. Taale was charged with several serious offenses, including second-degree robbery, possession of a large-capacity magazine, and possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun. He was also charged with carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the court ordered him not to approach Trump's golf course and prohibited him from possessing weapons. His bail was set at $250,000. The Sheriff's Department also said that at the time of his arrest, it turned out the suspect was already under police investigation for suspected robbery. Alongside this, authorities emphasized that at this stage 'there is no credible threat to our communities.' Trump has previously been the target of several assassination attempts: in July 2024 he was hit in the ear at a rally in Pennsylvania, in September 2024 an attempt was foiled at his golf course in Florida, and last April a person was arrested for breaching a security barrier at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.