The FBI had the green light to use deadly force against former President Donald Trump during the Mar-a-Lago raid, as revealed in newly unsealed court documents shared by journalist Julie Kelly on social media.
Attorney General Merrick Garland personally sanctioned this unprecedented raid on Trump’s Florida estate in the summer of 2022. This move led to special counsel Jack Smith indicting Trump for allegedly mishandling classified documents. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden also had classified documents from his vice-presidential tenure but faced no charges. Prosecutors claimed Biden would likely be seen sympathetically by a jury as a well-meaning older man with a poor memory.
The unsealed operations order highlighted that the FBI had the authority to use deadly force if necessary. Kelly reported this explosive detail, which has caused quite a stir.
Trump’s legal team noted that the FBI’s objective was to seize classified information, national defense information, and government records as outlined in the search warrant. The operations order included a policy statement on using deadly force, allowing DOJ officers to use it when necessary. Agents were instructed to bring standard weapons, ammo, handcuffs, and bolt cutters. They were to dress in unmarked polo shirts and keep their law enforcement gear hidden.
Julie Kelly expressed her shock on social media, saying, “Tons of new unsealed filings on the classified docs case – this is mind-blowing. The FBI authorized the use of deadly force at Mar-a-Lago.”
Kelly’s screenshots showed that agents were ready to confront Trump and his Secret Service detail if necessary. The contingency plans included specific instructions on engaging with Trump and the Secret Service, indicating a high level of preparedness for any resistance.
The filings also revealed that agents searched the rooms of Melania and Barron Trump and were prepared to go door-to-door throughout Mar-a-Lago to determine the occupancy status if staff still needed to provide a guest list.
Adding to the controversy, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon indefinitely postponed Trump’s trial earlier this month after the DOJ admitted to mishandling evidence. Special Counsel Jack Smith conceded that some documents seized during the raid were not kept in their original order, and others might have been misplaced.
This situation has raised significant concerns about the lengths the Biden administration will go to target a political opponent. The double standard in how Trump and Biden were treated regarding classified documents is glaring.
