Armed man arrested at Donald Trump’s golf club in California

On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrested 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele at a golf club owned by U.S. President Donald Trump in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Federal agents alerted authorities after observing the individual photographing and recording security-planning activities on the grounds around 3:30 p.m. local time. Upon his arrest, deputies discovered a magazine with hollow-point ammunition in his pocket and a loaded pistol with a chambered round, along with a second magazine, inside his vehicle. The suspect has been booked on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of prohibited ammunition.

The incident occurred two days prior to President Trump’s scheduled attendance at a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner held at the same location on Tuesday. While the Famagusta Gazette reports the suspect was monitoring security operations, local sources noted his presence appeared suspicious to authorities. As of Tuesday, Taele remains in custody without bail as the Sheriff’s Department works with the District Attorney’s Office regarding the case.