Man arrested outside of Trump's California rally illegally had two guns: authorities

COACHELLA, Cali. (KTLA) -- A man arrested outside of a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Southern California had multiple guns illegally in his possession, according to authorities.

The arrest took place at a checkpoint at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive in Coachella just one minute before the rally was set to start on Saturday, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office said.

The driver of a black SUV, who was later identified as 49-year-old Vem Miller of Las Vegas, was found to be in illegal possession of a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine.

Miller was taken into custody and booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine.

The sheriff's office said the incident had no impact on the safety of rally attendees or former President Trump.

No additional details were immediately made available.

It wasn't immediately clear if Miller was viewed as a threat to Trump or any other rally attendees, or if the firearm possession was related to the political event. Officials didn't say where the guns were located in his SUV at the time of the arrest, or what led to his vehicle being searched.

The arrest comes as multiple high-profile attempts of violence against the former president have taken place during the heated election cycle.

On July 13, Trump's ear was grazed by a bullet coming from the gun of 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks was shot and killed by a member of the Secret Service.

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, is currently being prosecuted on gun charges after he was found hiding out near a Florida golf course in an alleged attempt to have a clean shot at Trump on Sept. 15.

Sofia Pop Perez contributed to this report.