Armed Man Arrested Near Trump Golf Course in Los Angeles

Suspect Sean Steiner faces multiple felony charges after incident near luxury resort

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:29am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a semi-automatic rifle with green and purple paint and phrases like 'Why so serious?' and 'Let's put a smile on that face' written on the barrel, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A heavily armed suspect's rifle, emblazoned with ominous 'Joker' imagery, was seized by authorities near a Trump golf course, exposing ongoing security concerns at the former president's properties.Los Angeles Today

A heavily armed Glendale man, Sean Steiner, has been arrested and charged with multiple felony firearm offenses after deputies say he was spotted near the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Steiner was found wearing body armor and carrying a rifle with 'Joker'-style imagery and phrases, as well as other weapons including handguns and high-capacity magazines.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing security concerns around Trump properties, with previous incidents of protests, assaults, and even fatal shootings occurring at Trump-branded locations in recent years. The suspect's heavily armed presence and concerning behavior near a high-profile golf course raises questions about potential threats to public safety.

The details

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Steiner was first spotted hiking in the area near the golf course while wearing body armor and carrying a rifle, a duffle bag, and other equipment. Deputies later found him running through traffic before taking him into custody. At the time of his arrest, Steiner was armed with a loaded semi-automatic short-barreled rifle, a loaded revolver, two additional handguns, high-capacity magazines, and other gear. The rifle was painted green and purple and marked with phrases like 'Why so serious?' and 'Let's put a smile on that face,' giving it a distinct 'Joker'-style appearance. Steiner admitted to firing one of the pistols in a nearby area before his arrest, saying he was trying to 'get some anger out.'

  • The incident unfolded on April 14, 2026 near the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes.
  • Steiner was arrested about a week ago, on April 8, 2026.

The players

Sean Steiner

A heavily armed Glendale man who was arrested and charged with multiple felony firearm offenses after being spotted near the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and took Steiner into custody.

Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles

The luxury golf course located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California where the incident occurred.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and Steiner's motivations. The case will likely proceed through the criminal justice system, with a judge determining whether to grant Steiner bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges and tensions surrounding Trump-branded properties, with armed individuals and protesters continuing to target these high-profile locations. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and effective security measures to protect public safety, especially in areas with a history of such incidents.