Lawmakers request increased security for ‘potential violence’ ahead of Trump indictment

Concerns about potential violence arising from protests that may occur regarding the impending indictment of former President Donald Trump have led lawmakers from both political parties to call for the increase of security measures. Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, wrote Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Monday, asking them to secure “the safety of the American people” and ensure the court can proceed without any disruption, following Trump’s comments over the weekend suggesting that he would be arrested on Tuesday and asking his supporters to “protest” his indictment.

Although acknowledging Trump’s right to speak up and protest as granted by the First Amendment, Garcia expressed concern about the “dark rhetoric” employed by the former president which evokes his language that led to the January 6 insurrection. The lawmaker stressed the importance of increased safety measures, especially around the Capitol, to control the potential for political violence.

Other lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, weighed in and agreed that Trump’s calls for protests could lead to political violence. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, encouraged everyone to maintain calmness and practice peaceful protesting. Firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, downplayed the need for protests, suggesting that the Democrats were setting themselves up for failure by indicting Trump.

Reports of an impending indictment emerged after Michael Cohen, a former attorney of Trump, testified before the Manhattan grand jury several times earlier this month. Cohen was convicted in 2018 for silencing two women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct, which included adult film actress, Stormy Daniels.

During Cohen’s trial, federal prosecutors did not file charges against Trump owing to the Justice Department’s guidance that a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime. However, the discussions on possible charges revived shortly before Trump left the office in 2021.

The mere possibility of violence can be alarming, and lawmakers’ request for an increase in security measures is a well-advised move. Regardless of the excitement that comes with the indictment of such a polarizing figure, it is important to remember the value of peaceful protests to make our voices heard. It is imperative that we exercise our right to protest in a civil and respectful manner.

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