Pictured: The suspect accused of having weapons cache and scoping out Trump’s golf course before presidential visit

Jeanine John Taele was found to be carrying hollow-point ammunition in his pocket and a loaded weapon in his vehicle

Bookmark Comments Go to comments Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks

Hours before President Donald Trump’s visit to his Rancho Palos Verdes golf club , Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators announced that a man had been arrested over the weekend after allegedly taking photos and videos at the property while “appearing to monitor security-planning activities.”

Authorities said Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, was seen watching federal agents plan their security arrangements at the golf course on Friday, and returned on Sunday, prompting his arrest.

Deputies later found hollow-point ammunition in his pocket and a loaded firearm inside his vehicle, which was parked at Trump National Golf Club. A search of his home also uncovered additional firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines and multiple notebooks containing what investigators described as “concerning statements,” officials said.

Officials did not disclose the contents of the notebooks.

Trump spoke Tuesday evening at a Republican National Committee fundraiser at the golf club.

Taele was being held without bail, according to county jail records.

He was charged Tuesday with manufacturing, importing, keeping for sale, giving or receiving a large-capacity magazine; possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun; and a count of second-degree robbery that allegedly occurred in November 2025, all felonies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

According to the sheriff's department, deputies were called to the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes around 3:30 p.m. Sunday by federal agents who spotted a "suspicious individual" on the property.

"The individual was observed walking throughout the golf course grounds taking photographs and videos and appearing to monitor security- planning activities," sheriff's officials said in a statement.

Authorities detained Taele and discovered he was being investigated by police in El Segundo, California, on suspicion of robbery. While detaining Taele, deputies found a 16-round magazine containing hollow-point ammunition in a pants pocket.

Deputies also searched his vehicle and found "a loaded pistol with a round chambered, along with an additional loaded magazine containing hollow point ammunition," according to the sheriff's department.

Sheriff's detectives assigned to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force served a warrant Monday at Taele's home. According to the sheriff's department, investigators found:

It was unclear if the "concerning statements" included any threats of violence toward Trump.

"Currently, investigators have identified no credible threat to our communities," according to a sheriff's department statement. "However, this case underscores the importance of vigilance, strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and the proactive steps taken to identify and investigate suspicious activity before it can escalate."

“Mr. Taele’s troubling behavior at the President’s public golf course merely days before the President was expected to arrive raised serious red flags for law enforcement and led to the discovery of an unregistered firearm, a loaded weapon, as well as additional items of concern,” Patrick Grandy, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said in a statement.

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: The Independent. Open at source →