A potential government witness in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case involving former President Donald Trump has reportedly faced online threats, prompting a federal investigation, as stated in a recent court filing by special counsel Jack Smith.
Smith has petitioned U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to seal an exhibit until the conclusion of the federal probe. The special counsel’s office seeks to prevent Trump’s legal team from accessing the exhibit.
According to Smith’s motion filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the exhibit contains detailed information about threats made via social media towards the prospective government witness. These threats are currently being investigated by a United States Attorney’s Office. Smith emphasized that disclosing the specifics of the threats could disrupt the ongoing investigation.
Donald Trump (Credits: ABC News)
Smith underscored the necessity of sealing the exhibit, arguing that even with redacted names, divulging its contents could compromise investigative methods, potentially endanger the victim further, or provide unauthorized information to the suspect.
No further details were provided regarding the identity of the potential witness or the nature of the threats received via social media.
Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche refrained from commenting on the matter.
In a separate case where Smith is prosecuting Trump for election interference, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan imposed a gag order on Trump following his explicit criticisms directed at her, the special counsel, other prosecutors, and potential witnesses involved in the case.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team is actively seeking to have the charges in the Mar-a-Lago case dismissed. They announced plans to file multiple motions towards that end.
The trial for the Mar-a-Lago case is currently scheduled for May, although this date may be subject to change pending a scheduling conference set for March 1.
Trump faces various criminal charges in the case, including willful retention of national defense information, false statements and representations, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and corruptly concealing documents. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
