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Jul 28, 2026

NEW: Feds Thwart Trump Assassination Plot At His LA Golf Club

Federal Authorities Arrest California Man After Alleged Surveillance of Trump Golf Club Ahead of Presidential Visit

Federal and local law enforcement say they may have prevented a potentially dangerous security incident after arresting a California man who allegedly spent days observing security operations at President Donald Trump's Los Angeles-area golf club before the president's scheduled visit.

Jeanine John Taele, 38, was arrested Saturday at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes after federal agents conducting undercover security surveillance reportedly observed him photographing the property, recording video, and monitoring preparations for Trump's upcoming Republican National Committee event.

According to court documents, investigators first noticed Taele on July 31 as he walked the golf course wearing an earpiece while filming security activity surrounding the president's planned appearance. Authorities say he returned to the property on Saturday, prompting golf club employees to notify federal officials.

Prosecutors allege Taele then approached federal agents and falsely identified himself as a U.S. State Department employee assigned to a protective security detail.

The investigation escalated quickly after his detention.

Authorities say Taele admitted there was a loaded firearm inside his pickup truck parked at the golf club. Deputies also recovered a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition from his pocket. Inside the vehicle, investigators reportedly found binoculars and a counterfeit badge labeled "Security Protection Agent."

A subsequent search of Taele's residence in Downey uncovered what federal prosecutors describe as an illegally modified AR-style rifle that was not registered as required under federal law. Investigators also seized additional firearms, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, body armor, an earpiece, radio communication devices, and notebooks containing writings authorities described as concerning.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Taele with possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Officials have not announced a motive, and investigators have not alleged that Taele attempted or planned an attack on President Trump. However, law enforcement emphasized that the combination of his alleged surveillance activity, firearms, ammunition, fake credentials, and tactical equipment triggered an immediate multi-agency response.

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