Former Secret Service Agent Questions FBI's Deadly Force SOP in Mar-A-Lago Operation

The FBI recently defended its decision to authorize "deadly force" during the 2022 raid on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, stating it was in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). However, former Secret Service Agent Dan Bongino disputes this assertion, arguing that the unique nature of the operation warranted special considerations.

According to a report by Fox News Digital, an "Operations Order" provided during the discovery process in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s classified documents case against Trump included a policy statement allowing the use of deadly force when necessary. The raid aimed to execute a search warrant for classified information and government records.

• The FBI's order allowed agents to use "Standard Issue Weapons, Ammo, Handcuffs, and medium and large-sized bolt cutters," while also concealing their law enforcement equipment.

• Contingency plans included having a paramedic on site and details about the nearest trauma center in case of injuries.

• Agents were prepared to engage with both Trump and his Secret Service detail if necessary.

The FBI maintained that their actions followed standard protocol, stating, “The FBI followed standard protocol in this search as we do for all search warrants, which includes a standard policy statement limiting the use of deadly force. No one ordered additional steps to be taken, and there was no departure from the norm in this matter.”

Bongino, however, argued that the raid was far from standard, emphasizing the potential for confusion and conflict between the FBI/DOJ and the Secret Service, both of which have significant authority. He criticized the FBI's handling of the operation, suggesting that it lacked adequate coordination.

“This is absolutely a big deal. Don’t buy the bulls**t otherwise,” Bongino posted on X. “It was not a standard op. The MAL raid was an unprecedented action with significant potential for confusion and blue on blue issues and conflict. It also involved competing equities between federal agencies (FBI & USSS) with equal statutory claims to interrupt the other’s activities. Anyone telling you otherwise is either dumb or playing dumb.”

Former President Trump reacted to the news on Truth Social while attending his hush-money trial in Manhattan. He condemned the DOJ's authorization of deadly force, describing it as part of a broader campaign against him and labeling President Biden as a threat to democracy.

“WOW! I just came out of the Biden Witch Hunt Trial in Manhattan, the ‘Icebox,’ and was shown Reports that Crooked Joe Biden’s DOJ, in their Illegal and UnConstitutional Raid of Mar-a-Lago, AUTHORIZED THE FBI TO USE DEADLY (LETHAL) FORCE. NOW WE KNOW, FOR SURE, THAT JOE BIDEN IS A SERIOUS THREAT TO DEMOCRACY,” Trump posted, adding, “HE IS MENTALLY UNFIT TO HOLD OFFICE — 25TH AMENDMENT!”

Judge Aileen Cannon had previously postponed Trump's trial, citing the need for thorough consideration of pre-trial motions and classified information issues.

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