Police and law enforcement officials across Washington, D.C., are preparing for former President Donald Trump's high-profile court appearance on Thursday.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in the nation's capital for an initial court hearing, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. He will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse after he was indicted in special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
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The U.S. Secret Service has warned of potential "short-term traffic implications" due to Trump's appearance.
Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, said in a statement that the agency is working with the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Federal Protective Service "to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for the former president, while minimizing disruptions to the normal court process."
“While the Secret Service does not comment on specific protective means or methods, we have the utmost confidence in the dedication and commitment to security shared by all of our law enforcement and government partners,” Guglielmi said.
Statement on DC security preparations for Thursday. There may be short term traffic implications due to protectee movements so please monitor this account and @DCPoliceTraffic for latest info. pic.twitter.com/fDc9UbnWmQ
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) August 2, 2023
MPD's Special Operations Division posted signs on both sides of the street outside of the federal courthouse that say "Emergency No Parking" on Aug. 3 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The "no parking" warning spans the 200-299 block of Third Street.
"The Metropolitan Police Department is working closely with our federal law enforcement partners to monitor the situation and plan accordingly to ensure the safety of DC residents and visitors. MPD encourages the public to remain vigilant, if you see something, say something. Please report immediate suspicious activity by calling 911," MPD Public Affairs Specialist Hannah Glasgow said in a statement to the Washington Examiner when asked about any security precautions in place for Thursday.
Posted on both sides of the street outside the federal courthouse on DC pic.twitter.com/ZOyNcw1iA9
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) August 2, 2023
D.C. residents are likely to experience road closures, traffic congestion, and many pedestrians near and around the federal courthouse.
Trump has been indicted on four counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
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The former president already faces a federal indictment out of Florida for his handling of classified documents, stemming from another Smith investigation. He also faces state criminal charges for hush-money payments made during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
The Washington Examiner reached out to U.S. Capitol Police for comment on security measures.