The man arrested near former President Trump’s Coachella, Calif., rally over the weekend sued the Riverside County sheriff for defamation and other claims, saying there were “preposterous allegations” made about the incident possibly being an assassination attempt.
Vem Miller, 49, was charged with misdemeanors of possessing a loaded firearm and large-capacity magazine after authorities searched his black SUV near the rally. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco later said his officers “probably” prevented a third attempt on Trump’s life.
Miller, a Republican who previously ran for Nevada’s state Assembly, said he served as a precinct captain for Trump during the Silver State’s caucus this year and was never planning to harm the former president.
“It became clear that Bianco, intentionally, maliciously and with a blatant disregard for the truth, wanted to create a narrative so as to be viewed as a ‘heroic’ Sheriff who saved Presidential candidate Trump from a third assassination attempt,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Nevada, alleges defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, various constitutional violations and other claims.
It asks for unspecified damages and the firing of the officer who searched Miller’s car, which he said violated his Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Miller also said his firearm and magazine were lawfully purchased.
“We acknowledge the lawsuit filed against the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and take such matters seriously,” the office said in a statement. “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.”
The security of Trump’s rallies have been under intense scrutiny after two recent attempts on his life: the first at a July rally in Butler, Pa., in which he was shot, and the second last month at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Fla.
At a Sunday press conference, the sheriff noted security was “not something that we were taking lightly” in light of recent threats.
“If you’re asking me right now, I probably did have deputies that prevented the third assassination attempt,” Bianco said.
Federal officials said the incident did “not impact protective operations” and Trump was “not in any danger.”
Miller publicly threatened to take legal action against the sheriff during an interview on NewsNation’s “Dan Abrams Live.” NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.
“Oh yeah, the sheriff’s office is lying, and they’re about to get hit with a lawsuit,” Miller said in the interview. “The sheriff is going to be investigated, he’s going to lose his position; the deputy sheriff that was a part of this is going to be investigated, he’s going to lose his position. There’s going to be a massive lawsuit.”
Updated at 2:55 p.m. EDT