U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon denied special counsel Jack Smith’s request for a gag order in the case involving former President Donald Trump’s classified documents. The request was made after President Trump claimed that FBI agents were armed and ready to shoot him during a search of his Mar-a-Lago property in August 2022. However, the FBI disputed these claims, stating that their agents were following standard protocol for search warrants.
Judge Cannon rejected Smith’s request, citing a lack of substance and professional courtesy in the motion. She emphasized the importance of meaningful and professional communication between parties before filing motions in the case.
Smith’s team had argued for restrictions on President Trump’s speech following his comments about the FBI search. President Trump’s attorneys responded by accusing Smith of violating rules regarding conferral before filing motions.
The trial date has been suspended indefinitely, with unresolved issues regarding classified evidence under the Classified Information Procedures Act. Judge Cannon has been critical of both parties for failing to confer on previous matters.
The FBI reiterated that their agents followed standard protocol during the search at Mar-a-Lago, with no departure from normal procedures. President Trump’s campaign-related emails and statements suggested that the FBI was prepared to use force during the search.
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