A man arrested near Los Angeles faces federal and state weapons charges after allegedly behaving suspiciously at a Trump golf course ahead of a presidential fundraiser.
Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, California, was taken into custody after federal agents flagged his presence at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes as a security concern.
Taele was first spotted on Friday, July 31, walking through the golf course grounds, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials said he was seen “taking photographs and videos and appearing to monitor security-planning activities” while wearing an earpiece during that initial visit.
He allegedly returned to the club on Sunday, August 2, prompting staff to notify federal agents who were still conducting security preparations for President Trump’s Tuesday fundraiser.
Taele reportedly approached those federal agents and claimed he was employed by the State Department and was present as part of a security detail.
He admitted to agents that he had a loaded firearm in his vehicle, which was parked in the Trump National Golf Club lot.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force executed a search warrant at Taele’s residence on Monday, recovering an illegally modified AR-style rifle, a pistol, ammunition, body armor, magazines, and two radio signal devices.
Investigators also found multiple notebooks containing what authorities described as “concerning statements,” though officials did not elaborate on their specific contents.
Taele, a former U.S. Marine who served combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to four charges, including three weapons counts and a second-degree robbery charge tied to an alleged November 2025 incident.
The felony charge of possessing a short-barreled rifle or shotgun carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison if Taele is convicted.
A judge set bail at $250,000 and ordered Taele to stay away from the golf club, refrain from possessing weapons, and remain in California pending further court proceedings.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “While we are still investigating the motives of this individual, we are thankful he was apprehended before the President’s visit.”
Essayli added that federal and local law enforcement “stepped in early and prevented what could have been a dangerous situation from occurring.”
FBI Assistant Director Patrick Grandy said in a statement, “There is no room for error, particularly in light of previous attempts on President Trump’s life, and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will investigate this case thoroughly.”
Authorities said there was no immediate indication that Taele was plotting a direct attack on the president, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The arrest follows a series of security incidents at Trump properties, including breaches at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, two assassination attempts in 2024, and a shooting at this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner.
