Global Courant
Miami officials said Monday they are “ready” for the historic indictment of former President Donald Trump after he was charged with 37 charges related to his handling of classified documents after leaving office.
“We are prepared for different audiences,” Mayor Francis Suarez told reporters. “We have the ability to increase our capacity if needed.”
Trump, who has said he is innocent and will plead not guilty, appeared to encourage supporters to come to Miami for his hearing, writing on social media last week: “see you in MIAMI ON TUESDAY!!!”
It wasn’t immediately clear how many pro-Trump people would be coming to Florida, though organizers said claimed to be bus in hundreds. Trump made a similar appeal after being indicted in New York City, though few heeded. (He pleaded not guilty in that case.)
Homeland Security Police officers patrol outside The Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. United States Courthouse, prior to former President Donald Trump’s appearance there on charges from classified documents in Miami, June 12, 2023.
Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters
The Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a nonpartisan think tank that tracks and analyzes hate speech, disinformation and extremism online, said an analysis of digital behavior showed that “some Trump supporters expressed intent or shared plans to protest in Miami and New York City , but at this time, there is no indication that large-scale mobilization is likely to occur.”
The group reiterated that stance Monday, noting that a possible meeting in Miami appeared to be gaining momentum — “with no violent rhetoric.”
Some Trump supporters have been more strident in their comments that he needed literal defenders.
“If you want to get to President Trump, you have to go through me and you’re going to have to go through 75 million Americans just like me,” former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake said last week. “And I’m going to tell you, most of us are card-carrying members of the (National Rifle Association). That’s not a threat. That’s a public announcement.”
Manuel Morales, Miami’s police chief, expressed confidence on Monday that all protests will remain peaceful.
He said police were preparing for a crowd of 5,000 to 50,000.
“We take this event very seriously,” he said. “We know there’s a chance things could get worse, but that’s not the way Miami is doing it.”
Federal Protection Service police cars line the sidewalk outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse, June 12, 2023, in Miami.
Wilfredo Lee/AP
Specific security plans have not been disclosed.
Morales said agents took note of social media posts echoing Trump’s rhetoric about the indictment and the special counsel prosecuting him, but said there were no specific threats.
The US Secret Service has also prepared for Trump’s actions.
Working with the US Marshals Service and local law enforcement agencies, the agency has been working to streamline Trump’s movements and minimize the number of locations and distance he must travel within the courthouse to secure his appearance.
“While operational security prevents us from going into details, the Secret Service will not seek special adjustments beyond what would be necessary to ensure the continued safety of the former president,” spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at Miami International Airport in Miami on June 12, 2023.
Win Mcnamee/Getty Images
External security for the courthouse is provided by the Federal Protection Service, which oversees all federal construction sites.
There is a noticeable increase in both local and federal law enforcement around the courthouse.
“We are continually reviewing the actions taken and taking appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the federal judicial process,” the Marshals said in part in a statement last week.
Lucien Bruggeman, Brian Hartman and Olivia Rubin of ABC News contributed to this report.
