Topline
Former President Donald Trump and his Republican supporters called for peaceful protests ahead of his arraignment in Miami on Tuesday, as local police say they expect thousands to arrive at the federal courthouse.
Supporters of former President Donald Trump rally at his Trump National Doral resort.
Key Facts
Trump—who will appear at the Miami federal courthouse at 3 p.m.—told longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone his supporters “have to go out, and they have to protest peacefully.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) said protestors should “stand strong” and suggested Democrats “want another insurrection,” adding, “They want to prove their lies about you when they call you domestic terrorists.”
Christian Ziegler, chairman of Florida’s Republican party, said protestors should be “peacefully protesting” and should not be “taking the left’s bait by acting like an asshole and breaking laws.”
Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and former member of Project Veritas, said protestors “must be PEACEFUL, CIVIL AND LAWFUL,” adding they should “only show up if you respect and follow those rules.”
The Miami-Dade Police Department is preparing for thousands of protestors to arrive for Trump’s arraignment, according to CBS News, while police chief Manuel Morales said “there’s potential for things to take a turn for the worse.”
The Proud Boys, a far-right organization whose members have been convicted for leading riots at the Capitol on January 6, have also shared plans to protest at the courthouse, according to the Miami Herald.
Crucial Quote
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said the city is preparing for possible protests or rallies, adding he hopes the day “will be peaceful, we encourage people to be peaceful.”
What To Watch For
Trump—who is not expected to make a statement while in Florida—will hold a press conference at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf club at 8:15 p.m.
Key Background
Trump faces 37 felony charges over classified documents stored at his Mar-A-Lago residence and for allegedly obstructing an investigation by failing to turn over documents when subpoenaed. He is expected to plead not guilty. Protests previously ensued after Trump surrendered to New York City police in April for charges stemming from “hush money” payments to Stormy Daniels. Both Greene and Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) were involved in the protests, which remained peaceful.
Further Reading
Trump Arraignment: Here’s When He’ll Appear In Court—And Why You’ll Have To Wait To Hear About It (Forbes)
Trump Heads To Miami: Here’s What To Expect At His Court Appearance Tuesday In Classified Docs Case (Forbes)
What Crimes Was Trump Charged With In Federal Documents Case? Here’s What To Know As He Pleads Not Guilty (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/06/13/trump-and-allies-call-for-peaceful-protests-ahead-of-miami-arraignment/