A California judge has suspended criminal proceedings against a former US Marine who was arrested near President Donald Trump’s Los Angeles-area golf course with a loaded gun and ammunition, ordering him to undergo a mental health evaluation.Jeanine John Taele, 38, was arrested on August 5, days before Trump was scheduled to attend a Republican National Committee dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.According to news agency AP, Taele was found with a loaded 9mm pistol, binoculars and a badge identifying him as a “security protection agent”.Los Angeles County Judge John Lonergan Jr. ruled Wednesday that Taele was not mentally fit to stand trial and sent him to a mental health court in Hollywood for evaluation. Taele will remain in custody and is due to appear before the mental health court on September 9.Taele faces several felony charges, including possession of a short-barrelled rifle or shotgun and receiving a large-capacity magazine. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.Prosecutors said Taele had been spotted at the golf course on July 31 wearing an earpiece and taking photographs and videos. He returned two days later, prompting golf club staff to alert federal security personnel.A search of his pickup truck reportedly uncovered the loaded pistol, ammunition and binoculars.Investigators later found firearms, body armour, high-capacity magazines, radio equipment and notebooks containing what authorities described as concerning statements at his home.The Guardian reported that Taele appeared in court wearing a suicide-prevention gown, while his attorney argued that he was unable to understand or participate in the proceedings.Lonergan also expressed concern over about 200 pages of writings investigators recovered. The documents reportedly included schedules for first lady Melania Trump and Secret Service members, as well as detailed plans for surviving “off the grid”.Taele previously served in the US Marines and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan between 2008 and 2016.He was a decorated corporal who received several military honours, according to a Marine Corps spokesperson.The case comes nearly two years after Ryan Routh was convicted of attempting to assassinate Trump at his Florida golf club in September 2024. Routh was sentenced to life in prison in February.
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