Supporters of Donald Trump gathered in front of the federal courthouse in Miami on Tuesday, where the former president will be booked and arraigned in the classified documents case brought by special counsel Jack Smith.
Hours ahead of when Trump was expected to arrive at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse, people wearing patriotic and Trump apparel, individuals carrying pro-Trump signs and American flags, and at least one Trump impersonator could be seen outside the building.
There were also anti-Trump protesters, including one man wearing a black-and-white prison uniform and holding a “Lock Him Up” sign.
Crowds are growing in front of the Miami courthouse where Trump is supposed to appear today. Most are supporters here and there are dissenters walking through with large signage. @pbpost pic.twitter.com/y4DS6mge9s
— Stephany Matat (@stephanymatat) June 13, 2023
Outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse on Tuesday morning, scores of journalists are packing the sidewalk on North Miami Avenue along the courthouse plaza.
A few lone supporters of former president Donald Trump are wandering around and talking to reporters as well.… pic.twitter.com/zvucbyWOIB
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) June 13, 2023
Trump impersonator outside of the Miami federal courthouse.
Dudes kind of nailing this, right? pic.twitter.com/MlH73a8bea
— Nathan Howard (@SmileItsNathan) June 13, 2023
Republican 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.
🚨BREAKING: @VivekGRamaswamy signs pledge to pardon Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago docs case if elected President, DEMANDS all other candidates do the same or explain why their refusal:
"That is how we decide who governs this country. Not by a Federal Administrative Police State." pic.twitter.com/fpzKb02s1W
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 13, 2023
Also in attendance were journalists from various news organizations, reporting live from the scene.
Reporters kept the public apprised of the developing situation, including when police investigated a suspicious device, which appeared to be a flat-screen television, that reportedly displayed a message that said, “F*** The Communist Controlled News Media.”
A bomb squad was apparently called in, and people were temporarily pushed away from the area until the “all clear” was given, according to reporters.
#DEVELOPING: Police are investigating a suspicious device outside the federal courthouse where former President Donald Trump is set to arrive, Tuesday. Bomb squad to arrive on scene. Monitor with Suspicious wires.pic.twitter.com/9X1lHPzTpt
— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) June 13, 2023
Police gave an “all clear” near the courthouse where Trump will be arraigned after inspecting a TV left there.
MORE: https://t.co/VlkFSHI0P6 #NewsNationLive pic.twitter.com/XRVtXLs5QT
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) June 13, 2023
Trump, who is expected to surrender to authorities and appear in court at 3 p.m. ET, faces 37 charges from a federal grand jury indictment, including 31 alleged violations of the Espionage Act for “willful retention” of national defense information as well as counts related to obstruction of justice and false statements, over his handling of classified documents after leaving office. Walt Nauta, an aide to Trump, was also indicted in the documents case.
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Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman will preside over Trump’s arraignment and handle bond matters, according to the Miami Herald. Trump is expected to plead not guilty.
Goodman rejected a request by a coalition of media organizations to bring cameras into the room, noting they would jeopardize “massive” security arrangements that have been put in place and for the immediate release of audio. The judge did support the release of an expedited transcript.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump nominee, was appointed to oversee the trial. Some legal experts have called on Cannon to recuse herself while citing past rulings tied to the documents matter, particularly one in favor of Trump’s request for a special master to weed out privileged materials the FBI seized from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, which got overturned by a federal appeals court.
Trump, who has also been criminally charged in a hush-money case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, broadly denies any wrongdoing, claiming he is being subject to a “witch hunt” as he runs again for the presidency. Trump is expected to deliver remarks Tuesday evening after returning to his club in Bedminster, New Jersey.