United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have reportedly searched the home of Donald Trump, former US president, in Florida.
Trump in astatement, describes the “raid” as a weaponisation of the US justice system, and an attack by democrats who do not want him to run for president in 2024.
“These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents. Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before. After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate,” the statement reads.
“Such an assault could only take place in broken, Third-World Countries. Sadly, America has now become one of those Countries, corrupt at a level not seen before. They even broke into my safe!”
According to Reuters, a source familiar with the matter said the search appeared to be tied to Trump’s removal of classified records from the White House.
American presidents are required by law to transfer all of their letters, work documents and emails to the National Archives (NA).
The FBI or the justice department have not commented on the reported search.
In US, a federal search warrant must be signed by a judge. However, law enforcement agencies must first show the possibility that evidence of illegality will be found during the search.
Following news of the search, some of Trump’s supporters gathered across the street from his private residence, expressing anger over the search.
Some held Trump flags from their 2020 campaign while others wore red ‘Make America Great Again’ caps.
