An armed man who appeared to be "monitoring security-planning activities" was arrested at the Los Angeles-area Trump National Golf Course days before a scheduled presidential visit, the county sheriff's office said Tuesday.
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Jeanine John Taele, 38, a resident of the Los Angeles-area city of Downey, was arrested Sunday at the course in Rancho Palos Verdes, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.
The sheriff's department said deputies found a loaded magazine with hollow-point bullets in Taele's pants pocket after they'd been contacted by plainclothes federal agents regarding a suspicious person at 3:28 PM Sunday.
"The individual was observed walking throughout the golf course grounds taking photographs and videos. Appearing to monitor security-planning activities," the sheriff's department said in a statement.
Trump was aboard Air Force 1 on his way to California when deputies announced the arrest. The president landed in California Tuesday evening to attend a Republican National Committee dinner.
Jeanie John Taele Pleads Not Guilty
Taele pleaded not guilty Tuesday to four criminal charges stemming from his arrest at the golf course.
A Los Angeles County judge set Taele's bail at $250,000, ordered him not to possess any weapons, barred him from Trump National Golf Club and prohibited him from leaving California while the case is pending.
Authorities searched Taele's home on Monday, and an "illegally modified AR platform rifle," a .45-caliber pistol, body armor, high-capacity magazines and ammunition were found, the sheriff's department said.
Authorities also discovered "multiple notebooks containing concerning statements" and two "radio signal devices," the sheriff's department said.
"While we are still investigating the motives of this individual, we are thankful he was apprehended before the President's visit," said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. "Federal and local law enforcement stepped in early and prevented what could have been a dangerous situation from occurring."
FBI Investigating Potential Trump Attack
The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and Secret Service are aiding in the investigation.
"Currently, investigators have identified no credible threat to our communities," the agencies said.
This is not the first time this year that an armed person was arrested near a political site.
Last month, US Capitol Police arrested an armed man at the Capitol's north barricade.
"We just arrested a man at the North Barricade of the U.S. Capitol who had a firearm. Firearms are prohibited on Capitol Grounds. The North Barricade will be closed while the USCP investigates," Capitol Police said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Our investigators are working to learn more about the suspect and why he drove to the U.S. Capitol."
CNN captured video of the man being taken into custody. Footage shows six officers surrounding an SUV, two of whom have their guns drawn and pointed at the driver. The armed man is shown exiting the vehicle with his hands above his head.
