Crime
49-Year-Old Vem Miller Arrested Near Campaign Rally for Former President Donald Trump in Southern California
Reports indicate that Miller had allegedly expressed intent to “kill the President.
A man was arrested near a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Southern California after being found in illegal possession of multiple firearms, authorities reported.
The arrest occurred at a security checkpoint at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive in Coachella around 4:59 p.m. on Saturday, just before the rally was set to begin at 5 p.m.
The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller from Las Vegas, was driving a black SUV when officers discovered a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine inside his vehicle.
Miller was immediately taken into custody by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stated that former President Donald Trump was “likely” the target of a third assassination attempt after Vem Miller was arrested outside Trump’s rally in Coachella. Miller was found in possession of an illegally obtained shotgun, a loaded handgun, and fake VIP passes.
Reports indicate that Miller had allegedly expressed intent to “kill the President.
According to an Instagram account believed to belong to Miller, he had previously been within close proximity to Donald Trump Jr. at the Republican National Convention (RNC) and was seen taking photos with several well-known conservative figures.
He was charged with possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine.
Miller was released the following day on $5,000 bail, according to records from the Riverside County Inmate Information System.
Authorities confirmed that the incident did not pose any threat to the safety of rally attendees or former President Trump.
The situation was swiftly handled without disruption to the event.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.