An eventful Tuesday in Miami saw former President Donald Trump jump from being arraigned in a classified documents case brought by special counsel Jack Smith to greeting supporters at a Cuban restaurant who sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
After spending the night at his Doral resort, Trump made the trip downtown to the federal courthouse to surrender to authorities. In announcing he was on the way, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform to decry what he called a “witch hunt” as he faces multiple investigations while he runs again for the presidency.
At the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse, supporters and critics alike had gathered. GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy made an appearance, announcing a challenge to other candidates in the 2024 race to sign a pledge to pardon Trump in the documents case or explain their refusal. Journalists reported a security incident in which law enforcement investigated a suspicious device, which appeared to be a flat-screen television that displayed a message that said, “F*** The Communist Controlled News Media.”
Police gave an “all clear” near the courthouse where Trump will be arraigned after inspecting a TV left there.
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Upon Trump’s arrival, deputy marshals booked him and took electronic copies of his finger prints, according to CNN. During the hearing, which lasted about 45 minutes, Trump reportedly did not speak, but he did plead not guilty through an attorney to 37 charges, including 31 alleged violations of the Espionage Act for “willful retention” of national defense information, as well as charges related to obstruction and making false statements.
Man arrested for rushing Trump motorcade as he left federal court in miami pic.twitter.com/m4TbkYXBJB
— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) June 13, 2023
Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman, who presided over the arraignment, ordered Trump not to communicate with the co-defendant, his aide Walt Nauta, or any potential witnesses, about the case. Trump was then reportedly released on his own recognizance. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump nominee, has been appointed to oversee the impending trial, but is facing some calls to recuse herself over past rulings in the documents matter.
As Trump left the courthouse, a protester wearing a prison uniform and holding a “Lock Him Up” sign jumped in front of his motorcade, prompting Secret Service and police to push the man out of the way and apprehend him.
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Trump then appeared at a well-known Cuban restaurant in Little Havana, called Versailles, where he was seen glad-handing supporters. There, people sang “Happy Birthday” to Trump, as he is set to celebrate his 77th birthday on Wednesday, according to the local NBC affiliate.
WOW! Restaurant diners sing Happy Birthday to President Trump as he greets supporters. pic.twitter.com/el493XMeq0
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 13, 2023
By the late afternoon, Trump’s plane was taking off from Miami International Airport. Trump was en route to his resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he is slated to hold a fundraiser and deliver remarks in the evening.
“Thank you Miami. Such a warm welcome on such a SAD DAY for our Country!” Trump said in another post to Truth Social.