Vem Miller man detained by US law enforcement, has denied any connections to extremist movement “Sovereign Citizens,” saying he only carries firearms for self-defense.
Earlier Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco had announced that authorities found a range of fake documents and homemade license plate in Miller’s vehicle, linking him to recognized US extremist group “Sovereign Citizens.”
“I always carry firearms in bed of my pickup truck,” Miller told Fox News. “I’ve never fired them once in my life, and I don’t know anything about firearms—I’m worse than a beginner in this field.”
He added that he purchased the weapons after receiving death threats due to his work for his media resource, America Happens Network.
Miller also claims documents found on him are genuine and relate to his Armenian citizenship. He described Bianco’s statement about his connection to “Sovereign Citizens” as nonsensical.
According to Miller, he is “100% supportive” of Trump and the Republican Party, having leaned that way since 2018. Although he previously favored the Democratic Party.
US movement “Sovereign Citizens” emerged in 1970s, based on a range of conspiracy theories and misinterpretations of US legislation.
Movement claims that US government’s authority is illegitimate, allowing them to allegedly disregard its laws if they don’t agree with them.
As a result, movement supporters deliberately avoid procedures like official document registration and tax payment. FBI views movement as posing terrorist threat.
On October 12, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies in California detained a man at a checkpoint near location of Trump’s next election event.
In his vehicle, 49-year-old Vem Miller was attempting to transport shotgun, loaded pistol, and a large-capacity magazine. He was arrested without resisting law enforcement.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said that the incident may have prevented a third attempt on Trump.
Later New York Post reported, citing sources within law enforcement, that FBI does not consider incident an attempt on Trump’s life.
Miller was released and charged with two counts: unlawful possession of a loaded pistol and large-capacity magazine.
