Armed Man Arrested Near Trump Golf Club As Secret Service Investigates

Officials said Taele left the property but returned Sunday, when he approached federal agents and allegedly claimed he worked for the U.S. State Department and was part of a security detail.

Authorities said Taele also informed officers that he had a loaded firearm inside his vehicle.

After searching the vehicle, deputies arrested him on state charges that included carrying a concealed firearm and possessing prohibited ammunition.

On Tuesday, Taele pleaded not guilty to four state charges, including second-degree robbery related to an alleged November 2025 incident and three weapons offenses connected to his August 2 arrest.

Court records show a judge set his bail at $250,000, ordered him not to possess firearms, directed him to stay away from Trump National Golf Club and required him to remain in California while the case proceeds.

Federal prosecutors also filed a criminal complaint charging Taele with possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.

He is expected to make his initial appearance Wednesday in federal court in Los Angeles.

As part of the investigation, members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force executed a search warrant at Taele’s residence on Monday.