Key facts
- Jeanine John Taele was arrested at Donald Trump's golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes.
- Authorities found firearms, including a modified AR-style rifle, body armor, and notebooks with concerning statements at Taele's residence.
- Taele faces federal charges for possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.
- He also faces state charges for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun.
- Taele approached federal agents claiming to be on a security detail before his arrest.
A California man, Jeanine John Taele, 38, was arrested at Donald Trump's National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes on July 31, and again on August 2, two days before Trump was scheduled to visit for a fundraising dinner.
Authorities first observed Taele on July 31 near the golf grounds, wearing an earpiece and capturing photographs and videos of security agents assessing the property. He returned on August 2, approached federal agents, and claimed he was employed by the State Department for a security detail. Following his detention for suspicious behavior, deputies found a loaded magazine in his pocket and a loaded 9mm pistol in his pickup truck, which was parked at the golf club. Binoculars and a badge labeled "security protection agent" were also found in the truck.
A subsequent search of his residence in Downey uncovered a trove of weapons, including a .45-caliber pistol, body armor, an illegally modified AR-type pistol with a barrel cut down to 10 inches from 14 inches, and other firearms. Notebooks containing "concerning statements" were also located at the home.
Taele faces a federal charge for possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle. He is also facing state charges, including a misdemeanor for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and two felony charges for possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun and the manufacture, importation or sale of a large-capacity magazine. He was not yet in federal custody as of Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the US attorney’s office, and was being held on state charges. His federal court hearing on Wednesday was canceled.
Taele is a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donald Trump commented on the arrest, suggesting that "only consequential presidents" are targeted. Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, stated that Taele's behavior raised concerns, particularly in light of previous assassination attempts on Trump.