Suspicion And Support: Vem Miller's Arrest Outside Trump Rally

A man who was arrested with a loaded gun outside a Donald Trump rally in California has denied any intentions of assassinating the former president. Vem Miller, a 49-year-old resident of Las Vegas, found himself at the center of controversy after law enforcement apprehended him on Saturday at a checkpoint in Coachella Valley. Authorities alleged that he was in illegal possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. Adding to the peculiar circumstances, Miller was driving an unregistered vehicle outfitted with a homemade license plate, and he possessed multiple passports and driver's licenses bearing different names.

Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, expressed to the Southern California News Group that officers might have averted another assassination attempt. This claim comes amid rising tensions and previous threats against Trump, including two suspected assassination attempts in recent months. Notably, Trump sustained minor injuries when a gunman opened fire during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, and was targeted again in September at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, though no shots were fired.

In a phone interview with Fox News Digital, Miller, who was later released, asserted his unwavering support for Trump, emphasizing he never intended to harm him. "I always travel around with my firearms in the back of my truck," Miller stated. "I've literally never even shot a gun in my life. I don't know anything about guns. I am beyond a novice."

Following the incident, two unnamed sources close to the Trump campaign expressed skepticism regarding the notion that Miller's actions constituted an assassination attempt. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department confirmed that Miller was taken into custody without incident, charged with possession of a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine. They stated that the incident did not jeopardize the safety of Trump or the rally attendees.

In a joint statement, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Secret Service, and FBI reassured the public that Trump's protective operations remained intact and that he was not in any danger. "While no federal arrest has been made at this time, the investigation is ongoing," the statement read.

Miller was released on a $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court at the Indio Larson Justice Center on January 2, 2025, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department inmate database. The fallout from this incident continues to unfold, as Newsweek reached out to Miller's office, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, and the FBI for further comments.

In his defense, Miller explained that he acquired firearms for protection after facing death threats due to his media work. He established the America Happens Network in 2007, which produces various online shows and podcasts under the motto "rage against mainstream media."

Authorities mentioned that Miller attempted to gain entry to the rally using fake press passes, a claim he vehemently denied. He stated that he is of Armenian descent and that some of his legal documents reflect his full Armenian name. Previously a Democrat and supporter of Barack Obama, Miller claimed to have shifted towards Republican views, being "all-in" with Trump by 2018.

Miller’s comments reveal a deep admiration for Trump, citing his feelings of being a "closet individual" regarding his political beliefs while working in Hollywood. He noted the homogeneous nature of Hollywood's political community and how his views evolved in that environment.

Furthermore, Miller refuted suggestions from Sheriff Bianco that he was linked to the sovereign citizen movement, an anti-government faction rejecting laws and taxes. He also dismissed any affiliations with far-right groups, stating, "Government is an inanimate object; it's the individuals within government that matter, so no, I'm not a part of any of that." He questioned the lack of specificity regarding the groups he was allegedly associated with, insisting they do not exist.

Understanding Vem Miller

Vem Miller is a registered Republican who graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles. He ran for the Nevada State Assembly during the 2022 election cycle but did not advance past the primary. On his LinkedIn profile, he identifies as an investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker, and content producer with over 20 years of experience.

In his own words, Miller seeks to educate the public about political matters, asserting, "Through this experience, I have learned a lot about politics and how the world of politics is run, often to the detriment of We The People." He highlights concerns about the erosion of rights amid the expanding influence of government.

Miller also hosts a podcast titled Blood Money on the America Happens Network, focusing on topics of corruption, controversy, and conspiracy—subjects he feels mainstream media often avoids.

Despite the serious allegations surrounding the incident, Miller has not faced any federal charges related to an alleged assassination attempt on Trump. The ongoing investigation remains a point of interest for both authorities and the public.

Sheriff Bianco reiterated the gravity of the situation, suggesting that Miller's possession of fake press passes was alarming enough to raise suspicions among deputies. "We probably stopped another assassination attempt," he stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the political climate and the potential implications of Miller's actions.

Mindy Robinson, Miller's partner at America Happens Network, defended him against accusations of intending to kill Trump, asserting that it is implausible given Miller's commitment to exposing what he considers the "Deep State." Robinson expressed disbelief at the notion that their media credentials were forged, as they are typically invited as legitimate media representatives.