Man Accused of Plotting Third Trump Assassination Attempts Sues Sheriff for Defamation

Vem Miller, a Nevada man arrested on October 12 near a Trump rally in Coachella, California, is suing Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for defamation. Miller was detained after law enforcement found a loaded pistol and shotgun in his car at a security checkpoint. Sheriff Bianco initially claimed his officers “probably stopped a third assassination attempt on former President Trump.”

Miller’s lawsuit argues that the sheriff fabricated this narrative to enhance his public image, despite the FBI and Secret Service not considering Miller a threat. The suit accuses Bianco of violating Miller’s rights, including unlawful search and seizure, and publicizing false claims about Miller’s alleged fake IDs, passports, and ties to a “sovereign citizens” group. Miller asserts that these accusations led to emotional distress, public humiliation, and harm to his career.

Bianco later walked back his statement slightly, saying, “IF everything Mr. Miller has said is true, then he probably wasn’t there to hurt former President Trump,” but maintained his initial assertion.