According to a report by The Washington Post, prosecutors working on the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump have faced threats and harassment as the legal battle unfolds. Citing a government official and extremism experts, the article reveals that prosecutors involved in the case have encountered significant harassment and threats online and during protests. Trump supporters have reportedly posted the names of prosecutors and government workers on the internet and shouted their names at demonstrations.
However, federal agencies have not observed an overall increase in threats to law enforcement in the weeks following Trump’s indictment regarding his possession of the documents at Mar-a-Lago. The FBI declined to comment on the matter. The Justice Department has attempted to prevent the disclosure of the names of individuals working on Trump cases, although prosecutors’ names are typically included in public court filings. Trump himself has publicly criticized those investigating him, including special counsel Jack Smith, who is overseeing the probe.
In response to previous reports of increased threats against law enforcement officials after the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago, the agency stated its commitment to assessing and addressing such threats, which it described as “reprehensible and dangerous.” Sources familiar with the situation mentioned that top DOJ officials like Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Smith have had security teams for some time, and additional security measures are being provided to other individuals as needed.
Experts interviewed by The Washington Post noted that threats against law enforcement have generally declined since the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as people have become more aware of the potential legal consequences they may face. However, they caution that there is still a presence of violent rhetoric targeting those perceived as investigating Trump. While threats have decreased compared to the immediate aftermath of the raid at Mar-a-Lago in August 2022, experts warn about the possibility of violence as the case progresses.
