Armed man with modified AR rifle and body armor arrested near golf Course where Trump held RNC reception

🚨 JUST IN: ARMED SUSPECT ARRESTED OUTSIDE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF COURSE… MOMENTS BEFORE POTUS' TRIP 🚨

THE FBI FOUND HIM WITH A "CACHE OF WEAPONS" AND "BODY ARMOR" pic.twitter.com/YZXwKg3cSy

— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) August 5, 2026

A 38-year-old California man was arrested Sunday near the Rancho Palos Verdes golf course where President Donald Trump held a Republican National Committee reception, after plainclothes agents observed him monitoring security preparations for the event.

Jeanine John Taele of Downey was taken into custody after deputies discovered a loaded pistol and hollow-point ammunition in his vehicle. A subsequent search of his home uncovered an illegally modified AR-style rifle, body armour, high-capacity magazines, additional ammunition, radio communication devices, and notebooks containing statements described by authorities as concerning.

Taele was already under investigation for robbery and weapons violations at the time of his arrest. He now faces charges including carrying a concealed firearm. The FBI, Secret Service and Joint Terrorism Task Force have launched a broader investigation into the incident, though authorities said no confirmed intent to target Trump had been established.

Trump proceeded with the RNC reception at the club undeterred following Taele’s arrest.