Last Saturday, October 12, a man was arrested near the gathering held by former US President Trump in Coachella, California. The man has sued Riverside County Sheriff, accusing him of defamation, claiming someone “absurdly implied” that the incident could be an assassination attempt.
Vem Miller, 49, is charged with possessing a gun loaded with bullets and a high-capacity magazine, but the charges are misdemeanors. Authorities searched his black SUV near the gathering site.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco later stated that his officers “likely” thwarted a third attempt to assassinate Trump.
Miller, a Republican, had previously run for a seat in the Nevada State Assembly. He stated that during a party meeting in Nevada earlier this year, he served as Trump’s precinct captain and never intended to harm the former president.
The lawsuit filed in the Nevada Federal Court alleges defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of multiple constitutional provisions.
The lawsuit seeks damages without specifying an amount and requests the dismissal of the officer who searched Miller’s car, alleging a violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution regarding unreasonable searches and seizures. Miller also claimed that his gun and magazine were legally purchased.
Recently, there have been two unsuccessful assassination attempts against former President Trump, the first in July at a gathering in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the second last month at a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Subsequently, security measures at Trump’s gatherings have been thoroughly reviewed.
During a press conference on Sunday, October 13, Sheriff Bianco emphasized that given the recent threats, security measures are not something to be taken lightly.
He said, “If you ask me now, I would say that there may indeed have been a deputy who prevented a third assassination attempt.”
Federal officials stated that the incident “did not affect protection operations,” and Trump “was not in any danger.”
In an interview with NewsNation’s “Dan Abrams Live,” Miller openly threatened legal action against the sheriff. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns “The Hill.”
During the interview, Miller said, “Oh, yes, the sheriff’s office is lying. They are going to face a lawsuit, the sheriff will be investigated, he will lose his job; the deputy involved will also be investigated and will lose his job, this will be a large-scale lawsuit.”
On October 2, federal prosecutors requested an indefinite delay of the trial for Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate Trump at the Palm Beach golf course on September 15, citing the need for further evidence screening.
58-year-old Ryan Routh appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 30, refusing to plead guilty to multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assault on federal officers, and carrying weapons.
Law enforcement officials allege that Routh, a roofing contractor, ambushed Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach with a rifle on September 15 but was spotted by a Secret Service agent.
(This article referenced reporting from “The Hill.”)