Vem Miller has recently made headlines following his arrest at a checkpoint near a Donald Trump rally in Coachella on October 12. With questions swirling about his intentions and the presence of firearms in his vehicle, authorities have raised concerns about a possible threat to former President Trump.
Now, many are wondering who is Vem Miller. Here is everything to know about him.
Who is Vem Miller?
Vem Miller is a 49-year-old registered Republican, who has claimed to be a journalist. Having a master’s degree from UCLA, he operates a media platform called The America Happens Network. The platform boasts the motto “Rage against the mainstream media.” In 2022, Miller attempted to enter politics by running for a seat in the Nevada State Assembly, although he did not succeed in the primary election.
Recently, Miller found himself in legal trouble after being arrested by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies at a checkpoint in Coachella. His vehicle’s fake license plates raised officers’ suspicion. Following this, his unregistered black SUV was searched and deputies found a loaded handgun, shotgun, and high-capacity magazine. Inside the vehicle, authorities also discovered multiple passports bearing different names. Miller was taken into custody at the John J. Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of possessing the firearms and magazine. However, he was released after posting a $5,000 bail.
Did Vem Miller intend to assassinate Donald Trump?
Miller explained that he had purchased the firearms found in his vehicle in response to death threats. He said he didn’t know California’s strict gun laws were different from those in Nevada and mentioned he never used the weapons. Additionally, he claimed a Republican official in Nevada provided him with the rally’s “special entry pass,” asserting that he was carrying the firearms lawfully.
However, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco suggested Miller had ulterior motives, calling him a “lunatic” and speculating he might be connected to the sovereign citizens movement. (via Los Angeles Times)
Bianco pointed to the fake IDs and firearms found in Miller’s car as evidence of suspicious behavior. However, no formal charges have been filed regarding an assassination attempt.