Armed Man Arrested at Trump Golf Club Before Visit

A man allegedly carrying a loaded pistol was arrested while photographing Trump National Golf Club one day before President Trump’s upcoming visit to the property was announced, authorities said.

The case grew more alarming after investigators searched the suspect’s home and allegedly found additional guns, ammunition, body armor, radio equipment and notebooks filled with “concerning statements.”

Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele of Downey, California.

The incident began Sunday afternoon when plainclothes federal agents reported seeing a “suspicious individual” walking around the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The individual was allegedly taking photographs and videos while “appearing to monitor security-planning activities,” the department said.

Deputies detained Taele and located his vehicle in the club’s parking lot.

Authorities said they recovered a 16-round magazine containing hollow-point ammunition from Taele’s pants pocket. Investigators allegedly found a loaded pistol with a round in the chamber and another loaded magazine containing hollow-point rounds inside the vehicle.

Taele was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing armor-piercing or otherwise prohibited ammunition, according to the sheriff’s department.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Taele’s residence Monday because of the “potential security implications surrounding the incident.”

During that search, investigators allegedly recovered more firearms and ammunition, body armor, two radio signal devices and “multiple notebooks containing concerning statements.”

The sheriff’s department did not reveal what the notebooks said or explain the purpose of the radio equipment.

Federal prosecutors have charged Taele in a criminal complaint with possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California described the count as a felony carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Taele pleaded not guilty Tuesday to four charges: three weapons charges filed after his arrest and another robbery charge tied to a November 2025 incident, according to the authorities.

The arrest occurred one day before the public announcement that Trump would visit the property this week for a Republican National Committee dinner.

“While we are still investigating the motives of this individual, we are thankful he was apprehended before the President’s visit,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said.

“Federal and local law enforcement stepped in early and prevented what could have been a dangerous situation from occurring,” Essayli continued. “This investigation remains ongoing.”

Taele is being held on $250,000 bond and is expected to appear in court Aug. 26.

This story is developing…

NEWS: The heavily armed 38-year-old California man, Jeanine John Taele, arrested at Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles on Sunday after being caught monitoring security preparations ahead of the President’s visit, has pleaded NOT GUILTY and is being held on a $250,000 bond.… pic.twitter.com/A7QLchdPFf

— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) August 5, 2026