Man arrested with guns at local Trump rally could have charges dropped in July

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - A Las Vegas man charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a permit to a Donald Trump rally in the Coachella Valley could have his charges dropped after a six-month period.

On Thursday, Vem Miller was found eligible for misdemeanor diversion for a period of six months. He could have his charges dropped if he does not break any laws, completes 40 hours of community service, 4-hour Life Skills Class, and an 8-hour Gun Safety Class.

A hearing for possible dismissal is scheduled for July 30 at the Larson Justice Center. He was ordered to enroll in and complete the diversion program by that date, according to the District Attorney's office.

Miller was arrested on Oct. 13, 2024, while trying to enter Trump’s rally near Coachella. Authorities said they seized a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine from the vehicle.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying a loaded firearm in a public place.

Miller has stated that he supports Trump and only had the guns for protection.

"I'm an artist, I'm the last person that would cause any violence and harm to anybody," Miller told Southern California News Group. 

In a news conference the day after the arrest, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said deputies may have prevented a third assassination attempt on Trump.

"As far as I'm concerned, a minimum of 25,000 people passed deputies with legitimate identification and didn't have guns,'' Bianco said in Oct. 2024. "I probably did have deputies that prevented the third assassination attempt. I truly do believe that we prevented another assassination attempt.''

The sheriff later appeared to walk back that statement, acknowledging in a Los Angeles Times interview that Miller "probably wasn't there to hurt former President Trump.''

Miller said he was cleared by the FBI of any assassination accusations.

"I was falsely accused of being the third Trump assassin,'' Vem Miller of Las Vegas told the County Board of Supervisors shortly after his arrest. "The FBI cleared me. Nevertheless, Chad Bianco can go on a media tour and accuse me (because he wants) to be the next corrupt governor of California."

Miller filed a $100 million lawsuit in Nevada against Bianco, a Sheriff's deputy, and Riverside County, alleging defamation of character. The federal civil rights suit listed ten causes of action, including violations of Constitutional rights, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in connection with the arrest.

Bianco responded to the lawsuit in a statement to News Channel 3:

"Let me see if I have this correct:  a lawsuit was filed the next business day, combined with all of these outlandish allegations and supposed evidence by the guy who had an unregistered vehicle with fake license plates, had multiple ID’s including passports from other countries in different names, with illegal loaded guns attempting to get into a trump rally after the former president had two attempts on his life.  Since no one in their right mind thinks what he did is okay, this is looking more and more suspicious like it was staged, quite possibly by “someone” seeking attention.   Literally the next day after getting out of jail, he and his supposed attorney were claiming second amendment violations.  Everything from the social media blitz from “influencers” to the next day lawsuit certainly appears very suspect."

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office also provided a statement on the lawsuit:

"We acknowledge the lawsuit filed against the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and take such matters seriously. However, as it is pending litigation, we cannot comment on the specifics at this time. We are committed to transparency and will cooperate fully with the legal process. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of the community we serve. We appreciate your understanding as we address this matter."

Miller is being represented by attorney Sigal Chattah. According to Fox 5 Las Vegas, Chattah is also a Republican National Committeewoman.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.