By An armed California man was arrested at Trump National Golf Club on Sunday after federal agents reportedly observed him photographing and monitoring security preparations ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit.
Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, was detained at approximately 3:28 p.m. on Aug. 2 after plainclothes federal agents noticed a suspicious man walking around the Rancho Palos Verdes course, according to multiple reports.
Authorities said Taele was taking photographs and videos while appearing to observe security-planning activities at the property. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lomita Station responded and made contact with him.
🚨ANOTHER WOULD BE ASSASIN🚨
On Saturday, Aug. 2, plainclothes federal agents spotted 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele of Downey walking the grounds of Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, taking photos/videos and appearing to monitor security-planning activity ahead… pic.twitter.com/JMiw0kI4HW
— Gina Beana Fofina (@Ginasassyass) August 4, 2026
During the detention, deputies allegedly discovered a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition in Taele’s pants pocket.
A search of his vehicle, which was parked in the golf club lot, uncovered a loaded pistol with a round in the chamber and another magazine containing hollow-point ammunition, authorities said.
Investigators also learned that Taele was under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department in connection with a robbery.
Taele was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited or armor-piercing ammunition, wrote The Associated Press.
Because of the potential security implications, detectives from the Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau assigned to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force obtained a warrant to search Taele’s Downey home.
During the Monday search, investigators recovered an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, part of another AR-style rifle, body armor, high-capacity magazines and bulk quantities of pistol and rifle ammunition.
Authorities also found two radio signal devices and multiple notebooks containing what the sheriff’s department described as “concerning statements.”
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service are assisting with the investigation. Authorities said they have not identified a credible threat to the surrounding community.
Taele pleaded not guilty Tuesday to four charges, including second-degree robbery related to an alleged November 2025 incident and three weapons charges stemming from his arrest at the golf club, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
A judge set Taele’s bail at $250,000 and ordered him not to possess weapons, remain in California and stay away from Trump National Golf Club.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 26.
Trump arrived in the Los Angeles area Tuesday as planned for a Republican National Committee fundraiser at the golf club. Authorities publicly announced Taele’s arrest while the president was en route.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation remains ongoing.
[READ MORE: Trump Foe Looking At 2028]
