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 Sheriffโs 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 Trumpโs 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.
Orlando, Fla. โ Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruzโs father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruzโs partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruzโs partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
โWhen they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,โ Anthony Cruz said. โMy son didnโt deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt โ a shirt with a bullet hole.โ
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruzโs family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruzโs memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the clubโs property.
โI didnโt know the victim, but from everything Iโve been told, I wish I had,โ Cooper said. โHe seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.โ
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.