Trump announces raid on his Florida residence
Former US President Donald Trump announced that FBI agents raided his residence in the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, in what he described as "political persecution."
The FBI refused to confirm that the search took place or its purpose, and Trump gave no indication of why his home was raided.
Several American media outlets quoted sources familiar with the file as saying that the search was carried out with the permission of the court, and was related to a possible mishandling of confidential documents that were transferred to Mar-a-Lago.
"These are tough times for our nation as my beautiful home in Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida is currently under siege, raid and occupation by a large group of FBI agents," Trump said in a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth.
Aerial photos of the Mar-a-Lago resort showed police cars in front of Trump's residence.
Trump supporters gathered in front of his house, holding banners bearing his name and American flags bearing his picture.
Trump, who according to the New York Times was not present at his Palm Beach home during the raid, added: "It's misconduct by the attorney general, a weaponized use of the justice system, and an attack by far-left Democrats who are desperately trying to stop me running for president in 2024," stressing that he is subject to "political persecution."
He added, "Such an attack occurs only in weak third world countries. Unfortunately, the United States has become one of these countries," adding: "They even broke into my safe."
Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news