Armed Man Arrested Outside Trump Golf Club Ahead of Presidential Visit
Authorities say suspect was seen photographing security preparations days before a scheduled fundraiser
By Nathaniel "Beltway" Steele
A California man was arrested over the weekend outside the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes after authorities said he appeared to be monitoring security preparations ahead of a presidential visit.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the man had illegal weapons in both his home and his vehicle, and that he appeared to be "monitoring security-planning activities" at the club on Sunday, according to NBC News. President Trump was scheduled to speak at the club Tuesday night, the New York Times reported.
The suspect pleaded not guilty Tuesday to weapons charges, according to The Washington Post.
Details of what specifically drew deputies' attention have not been fully disclosed by authorities, and no motive has been released. The case is under active investigation, and additional charges have not been ruled out.
The episode adds to a string of security scares connected to the president's properties and events in recent years, though officials have not said whether they believe this incident is linked to any broader threat. The sheriff's department has not identified the suspect publicly in the reporting reviewed for this story, and The American Times could not independently confirm additional details beyond what authorities released.
We'll update this story as court proceedings continue.
Read the footnotes. The story's always in the footnotes.
— Compiled from reporting by The Washington Post, The New York Times and NBC News.
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