The suspect, identified as Jeanine John Taele, was detained just two days ahead of a scheduled presidential visit and fundraising dinner for midterm elections, which ultimately proceeded without incident.

Authorities investigate suspect’s motives

First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement that while the suspect's motives remain under investigation, authorities are grateful for his swift apprehension before the president's arrival.

Investigators have not yet found any evidence indicating that Taele was directly targeting the president.

Weapons recovered during arrest and search

According to the criminal complaint, Taele first drew suspicion on Friday while walking the grounds of the Trump Golf Club wearing an earpiece and filming federal agents engaged in security-planning activities.

When spotted again and arrested on Sunday, deputies recovered a 16-round magazine with hollow-point ammunition in his pocket and a loaded 9mm pistol inside his vehicle.

A search of his residence later uncovered an assault-style rifle, another pistol, a bulletproof vest, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, two radios, and notebooks containing "concerning statements," according to police.

Suspect faces federal and State charges

Although Taele initially claimed to work security for the State Department, a background check revealed an outstanding theft warrant.

He faces federal charges for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, an offense carrying up to 10 years in prison, alongside multiple state-level firearms charges under California law.

Taele is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles federal court on Wednesday to determine his bond status.