U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has denied a request by prosecutors to restrict former President Donald Trump from making public statements that could endanger law enforcement officers involved in his classified documents case. The decision, issued on May 28, 2024, followed a motion by Special Counsel Jack Smith's team, which argued that Trump's comments about FBI agents who searched his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022 could pose a threat.
Prosecutors filed the request after Trump claimed that FBI agents were "authorized to shoot me," a statement made in response to a standard use-of-force policy disclosed in court documents. Judge Cannon ruled that the prosecution did not provide adequate notice to Trump’s defense team before filing, rejecting the motion without prejudice, allowing for the possibility of refiling.
Trump’s defense team criticized the timing and procedure of the government's request, describing it as rushed and lacking due process. Attorney Chris Kise also sought sanctions against the prosecution for what he termed "bad-faith behavior."
The former president, who faces multiple felony counts related to the illegal retention of classified documents, has pleaded not guilty. His trial, initially set for May, has been postponed indefinitely by Judge Cannon. This legal battle is one of several ongoing cases against Trump as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.