Federal prosecutors have requested a judge to bar former President Donald Trump from making public statements that could endanger law enforcement agents involved in his classified documents case. This comes after Trump falsely claimed that FBI agents who searched his Mar-a-Lago estate were “locked & loaded” to harm him.
The FBI followed standard use-of-force policy during the search, which only allows deadly force if there is an imminent danger. Prosecutors highlighted that the search was coordinated with the Secret Service and conducted in Trump’s absence without the use of force.
Trump’s mischaracterization of the search as an assassination plot puts law enforcement at risk, according to prosecutors. They argue that restricting such statements does not impede free speech. Defense lawyers have objected to the motion.
Attorney General Merrick Garland labeled Trump’s claim as “extremely dangerous.” Trump faces multiple felony counts for hoarding classified documents and obstructing the FBI. While Trump denies wrongdoing, the timing of the trials before the election remains uncertain.