A staunch Trump supporter arrested at a rally is suing the sheriff who accused him of plotting an assassination. Vern Miller was arrested at a Donald Trump rally. According to Riverside sheriff Chad Bianco, Miller intended to harm the former president. The incident has sparked discussion about second amendment rights and the treatment of Trump supporters.
Trump Supporter Arrested, Denies Assassination Plot.
Vem Miller, a self-described Trump supporter and investigative journalist, was arrested outside a Donald Trump rally in Coachella, California, on suspicion of illegal firearm possession. The arrest, which took place on October 14, 2023, has since sparked a controversy, with accusations of assassination and counter-claims of defamation.
Miller was found in possession of a handgun, a shotgun, and a high-capacity magazine, according to police. In addition, he was found to have multiple passports and IDs with different names. These findings prompted Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to speculate on a possible threat to the former President’s safety.
RECEIPTS PROVE reports about Vem Miller were exaggerated.
He signed, "Under Duress."
And Riverside S.O. did not cite him for fake passports or license plates. pic.twitter.com/t1l2Vf3VCc
— National File (@NationalFile) October 14, 2024
Miller’s Defense and Lawsuit
Miller flatly denies any intention to harm Trump, which contrasts sharply with the sheriff’s allegations. He insists that he is a strong supporter of the former president and claims to have had a special invitation to the rally.
“Trump has been one of my top few inspirations and he’s one of the few people if he were to really be shot by somebody, I’d be the first person to jump in front of that bullet because I feel as though the work that is doing is very important for the future of this country,” Miller told NBC4.
Miller describes himself as an investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker for the “America Happens Network.” He claims that the weapons were intended to protect him from threats he received as a result of his political stances and media work. Miller has announced his intention to sue the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for defamation in response to what he considers to be false allegations.
Sheriff Chad Bianco gave a defense of the arrest of Vem Miller yesterday, citing multiple passports, an unregistered vehicle, fake license plate and loaded firearms. He implicated Miller as being a sovereign citizen.
Something is strange about this… pic.twitter.com/8uNgIH4KEd
— Dissident Media (@DissidentMedia) October 14, 2024
Controversy and Support
The incident has sparked debate within conservative circles. Mindy Robinson, a conservative activist and friend of Miller, has criticized the authorities for what she sees as a rushed judgment. She argues that proper research into Miller’s background would have revealed his support for Trump and his work against government corruption.
“The fact he’s out on $5,000 bail proves they know he’s not a threat; they’re just mad they’re about to have a lot of egg on their face for running with this as hysterically as they did,” she added.
Miller was released on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 2, 2025. He faces misdemeanor charges, but no federal charges have been filed. The Secret Service has stated that the incident did not endanger Trump, and the investigation is ongoing.
Implications and Ongoing Debate
This case has raised concerns about Second Amendment rights, the treatment of political supporters at rallies, and law enforcement’s role in high-profile political events. It also highlights the sometimes tense relationship between ardent political supporters and security measures at campaign rallies.
“In 2022 I ran for office in Nevada as a Republican,” Miller said. “Since 2000 I’ve been involved in the Republican Party in Nevada. I’m a Trump caucus captain. I’ve collected votes for Donald Trump, and I’m also a Trump team leader.”
As the legal process unfolds, this incident continues to spark debate at political gatherings about how to strike a balance between security concerns and individual rights. Miller’s lawsuit against Sheriff Bianco could have an impact on how law enforcement communicates about potential threats in politically charged environments.
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