Man arrested at Trump golf course in Los Angeles with ammunition and weapons

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies arrested Jeanine John Taele, 38, at Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes on Sunday after a search of his pickup revealed a loaded 9mm pistol, a 16-round magazine, binoculars and a badge identifying him as a "security protection agent." Federal investigators later searched his Downey home and discovered a rifle, additional firearms, ammunition, body armor and notebooks containing "concerning statements," though details of the notes were not released.

Taele had been observed walking the course, wearing an earpiece and recording photos and video of federal agents conducting a security assessment ahead of a Republican National Committee fundraiser scheduled for Tuesday. He later approached agents, claimed to work for the State Department on a security detail, and admitted a loaded weapon was in his vehicle before being taken into custody.

He has been charged with second-degree robbery, possession of a large-capacity magazine, possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun, and a misdemeanor for carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle. Taele entered pleas of not guilty on Monday, was ordered to stay away from the golf course and barred from possessing weapons, and his bail was set at $250,000.

"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," said Patrick Grandy, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles office.

The arrest comes as federal agents continue heightened security measures following previous attempts on President Trump’s life.