In the federal courthouse in Miami where former President Donald Trump will be arraigned Tuesday on a 37-count indictment alleging he mishandled classified information, cell phones and all other forms of technology have been banned.
Trump, who has defended his actions and claimed to have committed no wrongdoing, will be arraigned at 3 p.m.
In anticipation of the unprecedented arraignment of a former president in federal court, Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the Southern District of Florida issued a prohibition on electronic devices on Monday. The order referenced previous restrictions on the use of electronic and filming devices in courthouses.
Her order stated, “on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, all cellular phones and/or electronic equipment are hereby prohibited for news reporters and other members of the media inside the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse in Miami.”
Her order further stated that the “United States Marshals Service is to continue inspecting all cellular phones and other electronic equipment as they are brought into federal courthouse facilities as directed to protect the Bench, Bar, and public from harm,” and that disobedience could result in a contempt of court charge with a fine or jail sentence.
Scott MacFarlane of CBS reacted to the order by tweeting “WOW” and later adding, “This historic American moment will largely (if not fully) be invisible to America.”
WOW
At 11th hour, chief judge for the Southern District of Florida issues order prohibiting *journalists* from being phones or any electronic device into courthouse for Trump arraignment
Not just cameras and audio.. but phones are now banned toohttps://t.co/uIf6P1TspK pic.twitter.com/OOduqXq802
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) June 13, 2023
This historic American moment will largely (if not fully) be invisible to America
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) June 13, 2023
One Twitter user pondered if there was a hidden motive behind the prohibition, posing the question, “Is this how they hope to keep a lid on anything that is beneficial to President Donald Trump’s case?”
Judge just ordered that, in addition to the prohibition against cameras & other recording devices, no cell phones will be permitted in the courtroom for tomorrow's hearing.
Is this how they hope to keep a lid on anything that is beneficial to President @realDonaldTrump's case? pic.twitter.com/WQlYDSnTvC
— Lisa Mei (@TheNotoriousLMC) June 13, 2023
Earlier, Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman, who will superintend over the arraignment, issued a ruling that no audio recordings of the proceedings would be made available to the media. Goodman also denied the media’s request to photograph the courtroom before Trump’s entrance.
In his order, Goodman stated that he could not grant media access to future proceedings because his role in the Trump case terminates with the initial arraignment.
More on this story via The Western Journal:
Goodman said a media request for an exemption to standing rules barring cameras missed the mark, because the rules only allow exceptions related to naturalization ceremonies. CONTINUE READING…