Anti-Trump protestor's 'reckless actions' endangered former president's life, police say
MIAMI (TND) — The Miami Police Department released charging documents Wednesday alleging an anti-Trump protestor placed the former president's life in danger during his court appearance the day prior.
The National Desk (TND) obtained court documents outlining the filed charges and alleged circumstances against Domenic Santana. Santana arrived outside the Miami Federal Courthouse prior to former President Donald Trump's historic indictment hearing on 37 criminal charges associated with his alleged mishandling of classified documents.
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The criminal affidavit illustrates a day full of law enforcement interaction with the defendant. According to charging documents, both the United States Secret Service and the Miami City Police Department instructed Santana to stay on sidewalks and not instigate violence with Trump supporters. While leaving the courthouse after his hearing, former President Trump's motorcade was abruptly stopped. Video from CBS News shows Santana charged in front of the vehicle transporting the former president.
The defendant's reckless actions of interrupting the motorcade put the former president's life in danger," the Miami Police Department's charging statement against Santana says.
According to charging records, the 61-year-old self-identified entrepreneur, while wearing a black and white prisoner costume, ran towards Trump's vehicle holding a large protest sign. Miami police tackled the suspect, with much of the interaction captured on video.
The defendant attempted to charge Trump's vehicle earlier in the day when he was arriving at the courthouse. Circulated video shows Santana was also immediately removed from the premise during this brief scuffle.
In a statement to TND, U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Special Agent Steven Kopek said "the individual was removed swiftly from the roadway by officers from the Miami City Police Department."
"His actions had no impact on the security of the protective movement and we thank Miami City Police for their continued partnership," Kopek added.
TND was directed to seek further comment from the Miami Police Department about the arrest and charges. At this time, Miami police stated to TND they have no further comment on the clash.
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Former U.S. Secret Service agent Barry Donadio expressed concern about future violence given the latest Trump indictment.
We are at a very heated moment in our country right now. There is a lot of distrust among protestors on both sides. It is dangerous and I believe we will see more acts like this going forward," Donadio warns.
TND reached out to the New Jersey phone number listed on the criminal complaint for Domenic Santana. A women self-identified as Michelle answered, alleged she did not know Santana and he must have provided the wrong phone number. She then disconnected the call. Further contact attempts by TND were ignored.
TND also reached out to Donald Trump's campaign team and political action committee. Neither immediately responded to requests for comment.