Justice Department particular counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on a just lately unsealed indictment towards former President Donald Trump on Friday.

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Justice Department particular counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on a just lately unsealed indictment towards former President Donald Trump on Friday.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Justice Department particular counsel Jack Smith gave a uncommon public assertion on Friday after federal officers unsealed an indictment towards former President Donald Trump.

In a remarks that lasted roughly 2 minutes, Smith framed the indictment as an vital step for holding the United States protected and defending democracy.

“We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone,” Smith stated. “Adhering to and applying the laws is what determines the outcome of an investigation. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Smith stated his workplace would keep away from talking publicly concerning the case transferring ahead in an effort to retain its impartiality amid heated political assaults. Attorney General Merrick Garland was not current within the room, and Smith exited the stage with out taking questions from reporters.

Georgetown Law professor Paul Butler, who beforehand labored with Smith within the DOJ unit that prosecutes public corruption, stated Smith’s presentation Friday suits his repute.

“[Smith] did kind of what the Company Man would do: He let the indictment speak for himself,” Butler advised NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly. “He’s known as being an aggressive prosecutor, kind of a true believer in holding people accountable, and especially in bringing corrupt public officials to justice.”

Smith most recently worked at the International Criminal Court investigating and prosecuting warfare crimes. He can also be supervising the legal investigation into whether or not or not there was interference within the switch of energy after the 2020 presidential election.

Watch and skim Smith’s feedback in full

“Today, an indictment was unsealed charging Donald J. Trump with felony violations of our national security laws, as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice.

“This indictment was voted by a grand jury of residents within the Southern District of Florida. And I invite everybody to learn it in full to grasp the scope and the gravity of the crimes charged.

“The men and women of the United States intelligence community and our Armed Forces dedicate their lives to protecting our nation and its people.

“Our legal guidelines that shield nationwide protection info are important to the protection and safety of the United States they usually have to be enforced.

“Violations of those laws put our country at risk.

“Adherence to the rule of regulation is a bedrock precept of the Department of Justice, and our nation’s dedication to the rule of regulation units an instance for the world.

“We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone. Applying those laws, collecting facts, that’s what determines the outcome of an investigation. Nothing more, nothing less.

“The prosecutors in my office are among the most talented and experienced in the Department of Justice. They have investigated this case, hewing to the highest ethical standards and they will continue to do so as this case proceeds.

“It’s essential for me to notice that the defendants on this case have to be presumed harmless till confirmed responsible past an affordable doubt in a court docket of regulation.

“To that end, my office will seek a speedy trial on this matter consistent with the public interest and the rights of the accused. We very much look forward to presenting our case to a jury of citizens in the Southern District of Florida.

“In conclusion, I wish to thank the devoted public servants of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with whom my workplace is conducting this investigation and who labored tirelessly on daily basis upholding the rule of regulation in our nation.

“I’m deeply proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them. Thank you very much.”