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.