Donald Trump is the first former American president to face federal criminal charges. He is scheduled to appear at 3 p.m. at Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami.
Trump faces 37 charges, the majority for allegedly hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach.
The federal indictment claims that Trump stored the classified documents in a ballroom, bathroom, shower and storage room. Trump denies any wrongdoing and calls the indictment a “sham.”
“It’s a horrible thing for this country,” said Trump in a campaign speech. “I mean, the only good thing about it is it’s driven my poll numbers way up. Can you believe it?”
Trump is expected to plead not guilty. He has also vowed to stay in the 2024 GOP presidential race, even if he gets convicted. His supporters have remained unconditional to the former president regardless of his charges.
“We have unwavering support for Donald Trump,” said conservative podcaster Linda Catalina. “We do not even care if he’s going to be in jail and we have to write him in, you know, for a lot of us, it’s like Trump or nothing.”
Security surrounding the building is very tight. Both Trump supporters and protestors are expected to fill the area. State and local law enforcement are confident that they are prepared for any circumstances.
“Make no mistake about it,” said Miami-Dade Police Department Chief Manny Morales. “We’re taking this event extremely serious. We know that there is a potential of things taking a turn for the worst.”
