Justice Department submits redacted version of Mar-a-Lago affidavit ahead of possible public release

Washington – Federal prosecutors have filed a redacted version of the underlying evidence that prompted the Aug. 8 search of former president Donald Trump's Florida residence, court records showed Thursday. The sealed submission is now before a magistrate judge who will consider whether to take the unusual step of releasing portions of the secret affidavit to the public.

Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley issued a statement acknowledging the redacted version had been submitted to the court. "The United States has filed a submission under seal per the Court's order of Aug. 22," he said. "The Justice Department respectfully declines further comment as the Court considers the matter."

The affidavit likely contains more information about government investigators' concerns regarding the documents allegedly held at Mar-a-Lago. Last week, Judge Bruce Reinhart ordered the Justice Department to provide him with proposed redactions to the affidavit – which likely includes witness statements and specific allegations – after media outlets including CBS News pushed for its public release.