Advertisement

Donald Trump: Security ramped up ahead of court appearance

News trucks are parked around the courthouse

USA: Former US President Donald Trump will be formally charged at a court hearing on Thursday on charges of plotting to overturn his 2020 election defeat.

On the eve of the arraignment he slammed the case as proof of the “corruption, scandal, & failure” of the US under Joe Biden’s presidency.

Mr Trump already faces two other criminal cases as he campaigns for the White House next year.

Advertisement

Security is being ramped up in Washington DC for Thursday’s hearing.

Metal barriers have been put up outside the federal courthouse where the charges against Mr Trump will be formally read.

Similar structures have been erected around the US Capitol buildings, where Trump supporters rioted in January 2021, angry at the election result.

The Secret Service, which provides protection to presidents and ex-presidents, released a statement warning the public of “short-term traffic implications” in central Washington DC.

On Wednesday, an apparent hoax 911 call about an active shooting at the Capitol triggered a lockdown in three Senate office buildings and a major police emergency response.

Speaking to reporters during the alert, US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said the police force that battled rioters two-and-a-half years ago was well-trained and prepared for active-shooter drills.

Protection for judges involved in the case has also reportedly been increased.