Fact Check: Was Jeanine John Taele arrested over a Trump assassination plot?

DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA: An armed suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, was taken into custody on Sunday, August 2, near Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes before President Donald Trump's arrival for an RNC fundraiser.

A search of the suspect's home also uncovered an illegal AR-style rifle, body armor, radio devices, and notebooks containing concerning statements. As the case drew attention, viral posts claimed Taele had been arrested on Tuesday, August 4, for plotting to assassinate Trump.

Claim: Jeanine John Taele arrested over Trump assassination plot

It is unclear how the rumor began, but it spread widely after X user Laura Loomer posted, "Another assassination attempt against President Trump was just thwarted."

She added, "A man who has been identified as Jeanine John Taele, 38, was arrested at Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes ahead of President Trump’s visit to California today after he was caught monitoring security preparations."

Loomer further claimed, "Police said the man was found with an illegally modified AR-15, body armor, high-capacity magazines, ammunition and notebooks that had anti-Trump statements inside of them."

The post led many social media users to believe Taele had planned to assassinate Trump. One user wrote, "President Trump must thank God for keeping him safe."

Another Trump supporter posted, "Hedge @POTUS in Lord. May Your angel armies surround him. Let no weapon formed against him prosper. Amen." A third commenter wrote, "Might see 2 more 'attempts' before the midterms. The desperation is sickening."

Fact Check: False, claim is not supported by evidence

The claim is false. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed Jeanine John Taele's arrest on Tuesday, August 4. However, officials did not say that he was planning to assassinate Donald Trump.

CNN initially reported, citing federal law enforcement sources, that there was no indication Taele was plotting an attack on Trump.

In a later update, the outlet reported that the Secret Service was investigating whether Taele posed any threat to the president.

According to detectives cited by CNN, the weapons and other items found in Taele's possession raised concerns that he may have been planning an attack. Still, investigators have not confirmed that he was involved in an assassination plot. 

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Secret Service have also joined the investigation. On Monday, August 3, both agencies searched Taele's home.

Authorities said the El Segundo Police Department also wants him in connection with a robbery case. Officers took him into custody on Sunday, August 2, after they noticed what they described as "suspicious activity" at Trump National Golf Club.

Investigators said Taele was taking photos and videos around the property and appeared to be monitoring security preparations before Trump's visit. He was later arrested on firearms charges for carrying a concealed weapon on Tuesday, August 4.

Trump was scheduled to visit Los Angeles on Tuesday evening for a Republican National Committee event. Authorities said they arrested him as a precaution because the president was expected to visit the golf course during his trip.