'Integrity and the rule of law': Garland voices support for DOJ after Trump arraignment

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick Garland, in his first comments after Donald Trump’s federal indictment based on classified records at Mar-a-Lago, commended the prosecutors and investigators Wednesday but said he couldn't talk about the case.

Garland said Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith was a career, veteran prosecutor who assembled a experienced team.

“He has assembled a group of experienced and talented prosecutors and agents who share his commitment to integrity and the rule of law," Garland said before meeting with U.S. attorneys.

“As I said when I appointed Mr. Smith, I did so because it underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to both independence and accountability," Garland added. “As you know, I can’t talk about particulars about this or any other ongoing criminal matter."

Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to an unprecedented federal indictment for a former president. The 37 counts allege Trump kept national defense documents after leaving the White House and conspired to obstruct justice by hiding them from federal authorities.

Trump has called the case politically motivated, arguing the Justice Department is acting on behalf of President Joe Biden to attack his rival in the 2024 presidential race.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse in Miami, many in costumes or carrying flags. But security experts predicted no widespread violence because of the prosecutions of more than 1,000 defendants in the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021. Garland was asked whether he agreed the prosecutors discouraged violence.

“All I can say is, we live in a democracy," Garland said. "These kind matters will be adjudicated through the judicial system. The Justice Department will be vigilant to be sure that there are no threats of violence or actual violence."

Timeline of documents investigation: Twists and turns: The zig-zag journeys of Trump’s classified documents at Mar-a-Lago

Garland studiously avoided talking about investigation, after appointing Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith in November.

“Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice,” Smith said Friday, after the indictment was unsealed.

How Trump and Biden documents differ: Graphics: How Biden's case differs from Trump's classified documents seized at Mar-a-Lago

Garland has said Smith operated independently.

“As special counsel, (Smith) will exercise independent prosecutorial judgment to decide whether charges should be brought," Garland said in November. "Although the special counsel will not be subject to the day-to-day supervision of any official of the Department, he must comply with the regulations, procedures, and policies of the department.”