Special counsel Jack Smith requested a gag order on former President Donald Trump in his classified records case, citing new evidence of an alleged threat targeting an FBI agent. Smith urged U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to rule in favor of the gag order, stating that a threat by a Trump supporter toward an FBI agent demonstrates the imminent danger posed by Trump’s remarks about law enforcement officials.
The court motion emphasized the significant and foreseeable risk posed to law enforcement agents working on the case due to statements made by Trump. The motion referenced an incident on June 11 where a Texas man, identified as a Trump supporter, allegedly threatened an FBI agent involved in the Hunter Biden investigation.
Smith’s team highlighted the urgency of addressing immediate risks to the safety of law enforcement without waiting for a tragic event to occur. The request for a gag order comes after a previous request was rejected by Judge Cannon for not following proper procedure.
In response to the gag order request, Trump’s lawyers argued that it would violate his First Amendment rights, especially as he is a leading Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election. They also contended that the request was an attempt to limit Trump’s speech during his upcoming presidential debate with President Joe Biden.
Smith’s motion also referenced Trump’s comments regarding court documents released weeks ago, which included an FBI use-of-force document allowing agents to carry weapons during search warrants. Additionally, a separate gag order imposed by New York Justice Juan Merchan remains in effect in a separate criminal case against Trump in Manhattan.
The New York Court of Appeals recently rejected Trump’s appeal to rescind the gag order, stating that no substantial constitutional question was directly involved. Trump’s team may consider appealing to a higher court in response to the ruling.
In another development, Manhattan District Attorney Bragg’s office requested that the gag order in Trump’s case remain until his sentencing date on July 11. Prosecutors cited concerns about attempts by Trump supporters to identify jurors and threaten violence against them.
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