Coachella, US

US authorities confirmed on Sunday (Oct 13) that ex-US President Donald Trump was the target of a third assassination attempt as they captured a man with weapons close to a site where the Republican leader was addressing a rally.

Advertisment

Trump was attending a rally in Coachella when local police apprehended Vem Miller using a fake admission pass just a mile away. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said, “We probably stopped another assassination attempt."

In a news release, the authorities said the man was carrying a loaded shotgun, a handgun and a large magazine at the time of his arrest. Police said he was believed to be a member of a rightwing anti-government organisation and was plotting to kill the former president. Police detained the 49-year-old man at a checkpoint in his black SUV.

Also read: Trump leads Harris on handling West Asia, Ukraine wars, poll shows

Advertisment

Notably, Miller is a registered Republican.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department inmate record revealed the suspect was released on $5,000 bail on Saturday (Oct 12).

US Secret Service has also released a statement, saying it was aware about of the incident and the man’s arrest.

Advertisment

The incident did not impact protective operations. The Secret Service extends its gratitude to the deputies and local partners who assisted in safeguarding last night’s events,” the agency said.

Trump has faced two attempts on his life previously.

Also read: Kamala Harris goes full Trump, challenges 78-year-old Republican to reveal his health report

On July 13, he was shot at by Matthew Crooks in Butler, Pennsylvania. In September, Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested for attempting to kill Trump at a golf course.

(With inputs from agencies)