If I lived or worked in D.C., I would be deeply resentful of the plans being contemplated to protect the federal courthouse and surrounding areas during the upcoming trial of former president Donald Trump. Blocking streets and restricting pedestrian movements are impositions on residents and workers in the heart of the nation’s capital. Risk and anxiety will be imposed on every person who works in the courthouse or has business there.
Instead of fortifying the courthouse, wouldn’t it make more sense (and less expense) to move the trial to a more secure location, such as a military base? There is no law that says a trial must be held in a particular building, and there happens to be a military base conveniently located in the District: Fort Lesley J. McNair. Fort McNair houses the National Defense University and Inter-American Defense College. Any reasonably sized lecture hall could be modified for use as a courtroom. It’s much easier to fortify a military post that already has limited access than to improvise a temporary citadel in the heart of Washington.
D.C. and federal authorities responsible for security during the trial should give this alternative serious consideration.
Bruce S. Schwartz, Cherry Hill, N.J.
