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Left: The Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. (Google Maps). Right: Sean Steiner (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office).
Steiner now faces a series of felony firearm charges following his arrest by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on March 29. The criminal complaint, as seen by Law & Crime, alleges that Steiner had modified an “AR-7 Industries Joker Rifle” to mimic a toy gun, a detail confirmed by the LA County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities further revealed that Steiner was not only armed with the distinctive rifle but also carried two loaded handguns, “large-capacity” magazines, additional ammunition, and wore “rifle-rated body armor.” His gear also included gloves, a duffle bag, and notably, a step stool.
In a press release shared on Facebook by the sheriff’s office, it was noted that the “rifle itself stood out” due to its bright green and purple paint job, complete with Joker-style slogans reminiscent of the infamous character played by Heath Ledger in the movie “The Dark Knight.”
The sheriff’s office said in a press release posted this week on Facebook that “the rifle itself stood out” as it was “painted in green and purple with Joker-style phrases” from the movie “The Dark Knight” starring Heath Ledger as the Joker.
A “concerned citizen” spotted Steiner walking in an area near the Trump golf course and notified authorities, according to police. Steiner was allegedly seen hiking through nearby trails and running through traffic on Palos Verdes Drive South near the Trump golf course, per the sheriff’s office.
Prosecutors confirm in the complaint that Steiner was carrying the loaded firearms “in a public place and on a public street.” He is allegedly not the registered owner of the weapons, according to the complaint.
“[Steiner] admitted he … fired one of the pistols near the landslide area to ‘get some anger out,’” the sheriff’s office said in its press release. “Let that sink in.”
Steiner is currently out on bond.