Thursday afternoon, protesters and supporters alike, gathered outside a Washington, D.C. courthouse, awaiting former President Donald Trump who faces yet another indictment from Special Counsel Jack Smith with the DOJ. These are charges related to the events of January 6. As Trump arrived on Thursday afternoon, before his scheduled arraignment, crowds of protesters and supporters had gathered.
Trump is facing charges of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. Already charged in a previous federal indictment, Trump has pled “not guilty” , to 37 counts relating to his alleged improper retention of classified records.
Reportedly among those in attendance, Eric Lamar, who was there protesting Trump, told Fox News that the former president will-
"for the first time he will be held accountable for his criminal acts before and during January 6."
-Eric Lamar
Other protesters held up signs reading "jail Trump forever,"… "Trump indictment celebration tour," and "Finally, Trump arrested again."
On the other hand, supporters of Trump, who is hands-down the current 2024 GOP presidential primary frontrunner, were interested to see the polling results post arraignment. Reportedly, one individual told the outlet, that he has been to every arraignment for the former president and predicts that his support will only increase. He said-
"I expect to see Donald Trump go up in the polls four points, I expect to see Ron DeSantis lose two points," [he said] "Because that's what's happened at every indictment."
-Anonymous Trump Supporter
According to a Spokesperson for Trump-
"this is nothing more than the latest corrupt chapter in the continued pathetic attempt by the Biden Crime Family and their weaponized Department of Justice to interfere with the 2024 Presidential Election, in which President Trump is the undisputed front-runner, and leading by substantial margins."
-Trump Spokesperson
“There is always a storm. There is always rain. Some experience it. Some live through it. And others are made from it.”
-Shannon L. Alder