St. Louis area representatives comment on Trump indictment

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV) - Local politicians have started to release statements pertaining to the news of former president Trump being indicted by the Manhattan grand jury Thursday afternoon.

“Every American should be concerned about this blatant political weaponization of the justice system,” said congresswoman Mary Miller of Illinois. “I join many of my constituents in offering my support for President Trump as he fights to defend our democracy from this latest Soros-funded attack on the rule of law.”

Congressman Mike Bost of Illinois called the indictment an “abuse of power and an attempt to influence the 2024 election.”

“Tonight’s indictment of Donald Trump isn’t about the law. It’s about power,” said Missouri Senator Josh Hawley in a Tweet.

Hawley then Tweeted, “They will regret this.”

Later in the night, Hawley commented on the indictment again through Twitter saying, “These charges aren’t about enforcing the law.”

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois released a statement following the indictment.

“While there are many unknowns, we know a few things to be true: the Manhattan District Attorney must be allowed to continue his investigation without interference; any attempt to undermine this process is contrary to the rule of law; and political violence or threats of violence cannot be tolerated,” said Durbin. “As this process continues, former President Trump should be afforded the due process protections that he is guaranteed by our Constitution, just like any other American. But no one is above the law – not even a former president.”

Congresswoman Cori Bush has not released an official statement, but did respond to Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s Tweet about the indictment with a GIF of a crowd cheering.

Anne Schweitzer, current Alderwoman for the 13th Ward and candidate to be Alderwoman of the 1st Ward, Tweeted about the indictment in relation to it being her birthday as well.

Friday morning, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson released his statement on Twitter. In it he said “The justice system is supposed to promote law and order, not aid vendettas against political rivals.”

Friday, Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt released a statement on the indictment.

“This is a purely partisan case against President Trump, plain and simple. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg campaigned on prosecuting President Trump, while actual violent crimes in New York City go uncharged and violent criminals walk free,” said Schmitt. “This is a political prosecution in search of a crime, and sets an extremely dangerous precedent going forward.”

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