Armed suspect arrested while allegedly staking out Trump National Golf Course ahead of president's visit

Jeanine John Taele.

Federal and local authorities arrested a heavily-armed suspect outside Trump National Golf Course after agents observed the man engaging in suspicious behavior two days in a row -- and ahead of a visit by President Donald Trump. 

Officials arrested Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, a suburb just southwest of downtown L.A., after he was spotted gathering intelligence on security preparations at the golf course over the weekend ahead of Trump's upcoming visit. 

"Taele was detained after being seen taking photos and video of security-planning activities ahead of President Trump’s visit to the golf club today," Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, said in a post on X Tuesday announcing the arrest. Essayli said Taele was charged with possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, a crime that can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Taele was first spotted by golf club staff while Secret Service agents were performing basic security preparations at the venue on Friday. They say he was seen walking around the golf course wearing an earpiece and taking videos and photos of security preparations. A day later, officials said in court filings, he returned and is accused of brazenly speaking to federal agents and claiming to them that he works for the State Department and had been assigned to assist with security, The New York Post reported. 

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene and, after learning who Taele was, realized there was a warrant out for his arrest in an unrelated robbery case. Investigators searched Taele and his vehicle and "found ammunition in Taele’s pocket" and "seized a loaded pistol with a round chambered and a loaded magazine," Essayli said. They also found binoculars and a badge labeled “security protection agent" in his vehicle, according to The New York Post. 

Upon searching Taele’s Downey home, investigators turned up and "seized high-powered firearms, ammunition, body armor, and a notebook."

“While we are still investigating the motives of this individual, we are thankful he was apprehended before the President’s visit,” Essayli said. “Federal and local law enforcement stepped in early and prevented what could have been a dangerous situation from occurring.”

Taele's arrest follows an assassination attempt against Trump and members of his Cabinet in Washington in late April, the third attempt on Trump's life in less than two years. Secret Service agents were able to foil the attacker, and the suspect is awaiting trial. 

And FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Patrick Grandy alluded to those previous attempts, saying the suspicious behavior at the golf course “raised serious red flags” before the president's planned visit. “There is no room for error, particularly in light of previous attempts on President Trump’s life,” Grandy said. Essayli said the case is still under investigation. 

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