Man carrying ammunition arrested near Trump National Golf Club before president’s Southern California trip

Armed Suspect Detained at Trump Golf Course Ahead of Presidential Visit

Wertynews.com – Law enforcement officials apprehended a man in possession of ammunition and a firearm near the Trump National Golf Club over the weekend. The arrest occurred mere days before President Trump’s scheduled trip to Southern California for a Republican National Committee gathering on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, plainclothes federal agents flagged a suspicious person on the premises at 1 Trump National Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes during Saturday afternoon. Officials noted that the individual wandered across the golf course while capturing photographs and video footage, seemingly keeping watch over security preparations.

Background and Initial Detention

When deputies made contact with the suspect, they learned he was 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele of Downey. At that moment, Taele was already subject to investigation by the El Segundo Police Department regarding an alleged robbery at an AT&T retail location in November 2025.

Deputies secured Taele and located his automobile in a parking area situated on the golf course property. During the detention process, officers discovered a 16-round magazine filled with hollow point ammunition concealed in Taele’s pants pockets.

A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded additional items. Deputies recovered a loaded pistol with a round positioned in the chamber, alongside another loaded magazine containing hollow point ammunition. Federal authorities also documented the presence of binoculars and a badge inscribed with “security protection agent.”

Charges and Residence Search

Taele, a former United States Marine who completed service in both Afghanistan and Iraq, was taken into custody and booked on charges including carrying a concealed firearm and possession of armor-piercing or prohibited ammunition.

Recognizing the potential security implications surrounding the incident, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant yesterday afternoon for Taele’s residence. Investigators said 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” were recovered from the home during Monday’s search warrant.

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

Law enforcement sources informed CBS News that the statements found in the notebooks referenced the White House.

Protective Intelligence Investigation

The Secret Service provided clarification regarding the case:

With respect to this defendant, we do not comment on the specifics of protective intelligence matters. However, the U.S. Secret Service thoroughly investigates any information or activity that may reasonably be perceived as a protective intelligence concern or indicate a potential threat or directed interest toward any individual under Secret Service protection.

Deputies confirmed that the investigation is being conducted with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service. Additional charges could be added as the investigation continues. Taele remains in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

False Identity and Court Proceedings

Law enforcement sources told CBS News that Taele had initially approached employees at the golf course and falsely identified himself as a U.S. State Department employee who needed to see Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Secret Service personnel, who were already on the property to conduct advanced security preparations, were then alerted to Taele’s presence by staff.

Deputies said the case was presented to the LA County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration on Tuesday morning. He was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday morning, but his hearing was postponed. No rescheduled date was announced.

Sources tell CBS News that Taele has no known prior history with the Secret Service and that he was not on their radar. Investigators said they would be reviewing the material and items recovered from Taele’s home, contacting friends and family members and reconstructing his activities before the arrest to determine his intentions.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said on X that his office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were also investigating the incident, and that they would be pro