Man arrested near Trump Coachella rally with gun sues for defamation

SUMMARY

Vem Miller, a Republican and former Trump supporter, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco after being arrested near a Trump rally in Coachella, California. Miller was charged with possessing a loaded firearm and a large-capacity magazine, but he insists that the sheriff's claims of preventing a possible assassination attempt on Donald Trump were false and exaggerated. Miller alleges the sheriff mischaracterized the incident to appear heroic, leading to defamation and emotional distress. The lawsuit also challenges the legality of the search of his vehicle, citing 4th Amendment violations. Miller, who has a history of political involvement with Trump, denies any intent to harm the former president and is seeking damages, as well as the firing of the officer involved in the search. This legal action comes after Miller publicly announced his intent to sue during an interview, accusing the sheriff of fabricating the story.