Armed Man Arrested Near Trump Golf Club As Secret Service Investigates
A major security investigation unfolded in Southern California after authorities detained an armed man near one of President Donald Trump’s properties just before the president’s arrival.
Federal and local law enforcement agencies are now working together to determine whether the incident was an isolated weapons case or something more serious.
The arrest triggered an immediate response from multiple agencies responsible for protecting the president, prompting investigators to examine the suspect’s movements, statements and the items recovered during the investigation.
Although officials say there is no confirmed plot at this time, they continue to describe the case as active.
An armed man was arrested outside Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, after federal agents reported suspicious activity on the property before President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The arrest occurred Sunday, two days before Trump arrived in Southern California for a Republican National Committee dinner at the golf club after traveling aboard Air Force One.
According to a federal law enforcement source familiar with the investigation, the U.S. Secret Service is examining whether the suspect posed a threat to the president.
The source told CNN there is currently no indication that the suspect was actively planning an attack on Trump but emphasized that investigators are continuing to evaluate the evidence.
Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele of Downey, California.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Taele was already under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department in connection with a separate robbery case before his arrest at the golf club.
Investigators said federal agents first noticed Taele during a security assessment conducted Friday before the president’s visit.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, agents observed Taele walking around the golf course while wearing an earpiece and taking photographs and videos of federal agents and their security operations.
Officials said Taele left the property but returned Sunday, when he approached federal agents and allegedly claimed he worked for the U.S. State Department and was part of a security detail.
Authorities said Taele also informed officers that he had a loaded firearm inside his vehicle.
After searching the vehicle, deputies arrested him on state charges that included carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited ammunition.
On Tuesday, Taele pleaded not guilty to four state charges, including second-degree robbery related to an alleged November 2025 incident and three weapons offenses connected to his August 2 arrest.
Court records show a judge set his bail at $250,000, ordered him not to possess firearms, directed him to stay away from Trump National Golf Club and required him to remain in California while the case proceeds.
Federal prosecutors also filed a criminal complaint charging Taele with possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
He is expected to make his initial appearance Wednesday in federal court in Los Angeles.
As part of the investigation, members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force executed a search warrant at Taele’s residence on Monday.
According to the sheriff’s department, investigators recovered what they described as an illegally modified AR-style rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, body armor, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, radio signal devices and several notebooks containing what officials called “concerning statements.”
“While we are still investigating the motives of this individual, we are thankful he was apprehended before the President’s visit,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.
Essayli added that federal and local law enforcement “stepped in early and prevented what could have been a dangerous situation from occurring,” CNN reported.
The FBI, Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident, and officials have indicated that additional charges could be filed as more evidence is reviewed.
BREAKING: Dolly Parton’s Cause Of Death Revealed: ‘Brief Battle’
Dolly Parton’s death came after a brief battle with cancer, her representatives revealed Tuesday.
The country music legend died Aug. 25 at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. She was 80.
Parton had been admitted to the cancer center Friday, four days before her death. Her representatives confirmed the cancer diagnosis in a statement to PEOPLE but did not disclose what type she had.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the statement read.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.
The “Jolene” singer had also been dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues before her death, PEOPLE previously reported.
Just days earlier, Dolly Parton opened up about her declining health and acknowledged that she had put off addressing some medical issues while caring for her husband, Carl.
“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over [my husband] Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” Parton told PEOPLE.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in an Instagram video Tuesday on behalf of the Parton and Owens family.
“My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” he says in the video.
Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, said she had asked him years earlier to deliver the announcement.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he continued. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
Seaver said the moment brought immense pride and heartbreak, but he took comfort in his faith that Parton had been reunited with Carl and other loved ones.
Seaver added: “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless othe
Shocking 'truth' behind Prince Harry's decision to quit major role
Prince Harry should have "resigned in disgrace" from the board of a controversial African wildlife charity, a commentator says. James Walker makes the bombshell remark in Wednesday's episode of this publication's podcast, Daily Expresso.
He and the show's host, JJ Anisiobi, delve into the Duke of Sussex's dramatic decision to step down from African Parks. James, commenting on the controversy, said: "When you hear about this stuff and how long it's been going on for, you should be resigning in disgrace. [Harry] should be saying: 'I'm not touching that with a barge pole. That is a failed entity. We're going nowhere near it'.
"But no. He's still saying he's going to 'support their mission'. And again this Caroline Pearce, executive director of Survival International, goes on to say: 'His departure doesn't undo that record'.
"She alleged that African Parks was aware of the abuses for years, but it was only after Survival complained to Harry that the charity finally commissioned an investigation."
James added: "Well, she's got a point."
It emerged on Monday (August 24) that Harry was no longer a board member of the wildlife charity.
The conservation organisation has admitted that human rights abuses were committed by its rangers against members of the semi-nomadic Baka group in Congo-Brazzaville.
African Parks has said since that it has improved its safeguarding processes both in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park and institutionally.
Its admission followed an independent human rights investigation into allegations guards managed and paid by the charity had beaten, raped and tortured indigenous people in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Harry was president of the charity for six years before he became a member of its board of directors in 2023.
A spokesman for the Duke said he remains an active and avid supporter of African Parks. He added: "The Duke is proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board.
"His commitment to conservation in Africa continues and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission."
Human rights organisation, Survival International, said it had been calling on Harry to step down from African Parks for years.
The group's director, Caroline Pearce, said in a statement: "It’s outrageous that for 10 years Prince Harry has served African Parks while the organisation has been responsible for abuse and violence against Indigenous people.
"His departure doesn't undo that record — African Parks itself must now be held accountable, and must abandon this model of fortress conservation for good."
Survival International said indigenous peoples know how best to manage their land and the idea outsiders know better is racist and colonial.
