National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Sunday there is no indication the White House is preparing for violent protests from Donald Trump supporters after the former president said he expects to be arrested this week.
Trump called for protests in a social media post on Saturday, claiming that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office have led him to believe he will be arrested.
Kirby spoke about the situation during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” saying he was unaware of any potential violence associated with the former president’s call for protests.
“We are always monitoring the situation here as closely as possible,” said Kirby. “And obviously we don’t want any activity to become violent, certainly not to the extent we saw on January 6, but we’re watching this. We’ll be watching it closely, of course.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks at a news conference at the White House, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci))
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“We want to see if there are any protests on any issue, or frankly let alone this, if they are peaceful,” he added.
Asked if he was concerned about safety, Kirby replied: “I’m not aware of any indication that we’re preparing for that kind of activity, particularly with regard to those comments. But obviously we’re working hand-in-hand with local and state authorities across the country, and we will continue to monitor this as best we can.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is reportedly preparing an indictment over alleged hush money payments Trump made in 2016 as a presidential candidate.
Former President Donald Trump greets supporters during a visit to East Palestine, Ohio, following the derailment of the Norfolk Southern freight train on February 3, 22, 2023. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Former President Donald Trump speaks at the East Palestine Fire Department in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 22, 2023. (Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images)
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Trump said Saturday morning on his Truth Social site that he expected to be arrested Tuesday, writing in part, “PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!”
Critics accused Trump of inciting violence and compared his call to action to the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol and temporarily halted the certification of President Biden’s election victory.
Jessica Chasmar is a digital writer on the Fox News and Fox Business political team. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
