US prosecutors during a late-night court filing on Friday pointed out a threatening social media post of US former President Donald Trump that read "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!". Prosecutors argued over it and suggested that based on his post, it appeared that he might intimidate witnesses by improperly disclosing confidential evidence received from the government. Just a day prior to this, he pleaded not guilty to the charges that were pressed against him for trying to reverse his 2020 election loss, reported news agency Reuters.
Authorities tightened security around the Fulton County courthouse in Georgia's Atlanta where other prosecutors are investigating Trump's efforts to overturn election results in the state. Atlanta has been preparing for the possible announcement of Trump's fourth criminal indictment of this year, Reuters reported.
The office of Special Counsel Jack Smith during the filing in Washington Federal Court said that Trump's social media post has flagged concerns that he might publicly reveal secret material such as the transcripts of the grand jury which he obtained from prosecutors. Smith's office sought a protective order that would prohibit Trump and his lawyer from sharing any discovery materials with any unauthorised people.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Saturday gave Trump until 5 pm on Monday to respond. Trump's attorney then asked for three more days to prepare for their response but, Judge Chutkan immediately denied their request. She added that she will determine whether a hearing is even needed after reviewing Trump's response or not.
Under the process which is known as 'Discovery,' prosecutors must provide defendants with the evidence that exists against them so that they could then form their arguments of defence accordingly. Prosecutors in their filing said that without proper order, the accused could begin to issue public posts while using grand jury transcripts or other material that 'could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case.' They highlighted Trump's track record of attacking judges, attorneys and witnesses who have dared to stand up against him.
Trump, however, on Thursday at his arraignment swore not to intimidate witnesses or communicate with them without legal counsel present.
Usually, protective orders are routine in cases that involve confidential documents but, prosecutors in this case particularly said that it was important to restrict public dissemination given Trump's social media statements.