Former President Donald Trump in Doral ahead of arraignment in Miami federal court
MIAMI - Former President Donald Trump arrived in Miami Monday afternoon in preparation for his expected appearance in federal court Tuesday to answer to a multi-count indictment over his handling of classified documents.
Trump's plane landed at Miami International Airport shortly before 3 p.m. After exiting the aircraft, the former president traveled from the airport to Trump National Doral, where he is expected to spend the night.
When his multi-vehicle convoy arrived in Doral, he was greeted by a small group of supporters who stood with flags and their cell phones to capture his arrival.
During a news conference Monday afternoon before the president arrived, Miami officials said police would use a unified command post to coordinate a police response to the crowd.
"Make no mistake about it, we're taking this event extremely serious," said Miami police Chief Manny Morales, who said any protests should be peaceful and civil. "We're ready. Ready for it to be over and done."
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said he was confident the city's police will be able to handle the crowds and any protests if they occur, citing officials' past experience during the George Floyd demonstrations that spanned several days.
"I have full faith and confidence our police will have the right action plan and resources in place," he said during the news conference. "We are prepared for what will happen tomorrow."
Security for Trump's court appearance includes U.S. Marshals, responsible for securing the courthouse and federal grounds; U.S. Secret Service, responsible for providing security for Trump as a former president; Miami police, responsible for securing the streets around the courthouse; and Miami-Dade police, who will provide added security around the courthouse, Trump National Doral, and the movement of Trump around the county.
The Florida Highway Patrol will help with road closures and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will also offer assistance.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Chief of Public Safety and Director of Miami-Dade Police Department Freddy Ramirez, released the following statement regarding the County's safety and security plans:
"We are working to ensure the safety of all people in our community and provide little to no interruptions to those living, working, and commuting through the downtown area.
"MDPD has not received any federal requests for security support. MDPD will provide support, assistance, and resources requested by our partners at the City of Miami Police Department, which has jurisdiction over downtown Miami and the Wilkie D. Ferguson Courthouse.
"As of now, we are expecting regular service tomorrow across MetroBus, MetroRail and MetroMover. MDPD is readying adjacent county facilities, buildings, and transit stations with additional security personnel to ensure safety for all users. Transit riders are encouraged to follow social media channels and rider alerts from the GoMiamiDade app for any service changes."
CBS News reported that a motorcade would escort him to the Wilkie D. Fergusson Jr. courthouse in downtown Miami for his arraignment on 37 charges related to what prosecutors said was his mishandling of classified documents.
"In there you're going to have City of Miami, probably the chief himself, you're going to have Miami-Dade County, Secret Service, FBI, the Marshals. They'll all be there to make sure there's a unified command," said retired Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina.
Colina said security surrounding the former president's arrival and subsequent court appearance will be extensive. The area around the courthouse has been roped off with yellow tape and barricades.
"It's a significant security event because of the amount of variables. There's a lot of hate groups in Florida, you have people that are pro-Trump, supporters that are going to want to show up and show their support, you have detractors that are going to want to show up, so there's a potential conflict there and I'm sure they'll put them in places where they can see each other but not touch each other," he said.
Doral takes center stage
Doral Police Department Chief Edwin Lopez said his department is collaborating with other agencies.
"We have an increased police presence," he said. "Currently at this time we are working with local state and federal agencies just to monitor and ensure that we have a right system in place to ensure the safety of the community in general. at this time it's important to collaborate closely with all law enforcement agencies.
"We also have detectives and crime analysts who are good at empowering social media outlets and exploring every avenue we can to get as much information as we can to ensure the safety of the community... there should be a number of protesters in the surrounding areas but at this time there's no indication of any violence or anything outside of the norms... At this point all intelligence points to the fact this should be peaceful... But we are making preparations for anything."
Lopez said while he will have a traffic team in place he does not anticipate any road closures Monday or Tuesday.
Trump supporters started showing up outside of Trump National Doral on NW 87th Avenue around 11 a.m. in the hopes of being here when the former president arrives in the afternoon. The group included members of the local Proud Boys chapter.
One man flew across the country to be there.
"I came in from California. I flew in yesterday just to show support for what's going on. The corrupt Democratic Party is using their powers to try to put Trump in prison," he said.
The Florida Republican Assembly plan on being at the courthouse in Miami ahead of Trump's arraignment. The former president has called on people to come out and show support but to do so peacefully.
The Doral police department is also gearing up for Tuesday, "We are currently monitoring the situation very closely and will have police presence in potentially impacted areas to ensure safety for all," is said in a statement.
Following his arraignment, Trump will head to New Jersey for a fundraising event Tuesday night.
