West Palm Beach, Florida – Special counsel prosecutors have submitted a request to a federal judge in Florida for a gag order on former President Donald Trump. The prosecutors seek to limit Trump’s ability to comment on the law enforcement search of his Mar-a-Lago resort. This request is a response to Trump’s repeated false criticisms of the FBI’s policy on the use of deadly force during the search conducted in August 2022.

The prosecutors argue that Trump’s inflammatory statements could jeopardize the integrity of the criminal case and put the safety of law enforcement officers involved at risk. They emphasize that Trump’s remarks may incite his supporters to retaliate against federal authorities, potentially endangering witnesses in the case.

In their filing to Judge Aileen Cannon, prosecutors emphasized that Trump’s mischaracterization of the situation as a threat to himself and others has created a dangerous environment for law enforcement officers. They state that his comments invite threats and harassment similar to those seen in past legal proceedings involving Trump.

Trump’s attorneys have pushed back against the gag order, asserting that there is no immediate danger that warrants such restrictions on Trump’s ability to comment. They have requested a meeting to discuss the matter further.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has refuted Trump’s claims about the FBI search at Mar-a-Lago, calling them false and dangerous. Garland explained that the policy limiting the use of force during searches is standard procedure for the FBI and was also applied during a search of President Joe Biden’s residence.

The use of deadly force policy and other protocols followed by the FBI during the search at Mar-a-Lago have been made public in federal court. These measures include agents wearing unmarked attire and specific procedures in the event of Trump’s arrival at the property.

Gag orders restricting Trump’s public comments have been upheld in courts outside of Florida in previous cases due to concerns about threats and harassment incited by his remarks. Trump’s ability to comment publicly remains restricted in various ongoing legal proceedings, including his New York trial and Washington, DC-based election interference case.

This ongoing legal battle highlights the contentious relationship between Trump and law enforcement agencies, underscoring the complexities of balancing free speech with the need to protect the integrity of criminal investigations.