(Chris Parker, Headline USA) Judge Bruce Reinhart admitted on Monday that the militarized raid he approved on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home was unprecedented, while also signaling opposition to keeping the affidavit sealed and releasing it with FBI redactions.
“The Government argues that even requiring it to redact portions of the Affidavit that could not reveal agent identities or investigative sources and methods imposes an undue burden on its resources and sets a precedent that could be disruptive and burdensome in future cases,” Reinhart wrote.
“I do not need to reach the question of whether, in some other case, these concerns could justify denying public access; they very well might.”
However, he did give the government an “opportunity to propose redaction” to protect the names of agents and other officials involved. His motion gives the government until noon Aug. 25, reported Fox News
“Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that by the deadline, the Government shall file under seal a submission addressing possible redactions and providing any additional evidence or legal argument that the Government believes relevant to the pending Motions to Unseal,” the motion states.
Jay Bratt, a government prosecutor, argued against unsealing the affidavit, citing fears that it would set a precedent of transparency. He claimed that the US is in a “volatile” state that would be worsened by the affidavit’s release.
“This is not a precedent we want to set,” Bratt said. “The government is very concerned about the safety of witnesses in this case.”
The raid is currently being investigated by judiciary Republicans. They have also demanded the affidavit’s release.
“The American people deserve answers about the FBI’s unprecedented raid on former President Trump’s home,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said in a statement after the notices were sent. “We will settle for nothing but complete cooperation from the DOJ.”
