On Thursday CNN reporter Brain Todd explained how the government shutdown is impacting the trial of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzma. He faces 17 criminal counts and a possible life sentence.
While intervening with CNN host Wolf Blitzer, Todd said that there are "concerns" surrounding El Chapo's trial.
"There are concerns about security surrounding the trial. The proceedings have been fortified with U.S. Marshals guarding El Chapo and the witnesses and the jurors. Funding for the courts is running out. The marshals and prosecutors haven't been paid in weeks," he said.
A former top DEA chief, Michael Vigil said that the government shutdown is causing a lot of distraction around the case.
"That's going to create a distraction. It leads to frustration. It leads to anger. The fact is that as a result of that distraction it could lead to potential breaches within the security of the trial," he said.
Todd continued, "Officials with the U.S. Court system tell CNN tonight the El Chapo trial will go on, even if the court system's funds run out. A spokesman for the U.S. Marshals says their staffing remains the same. They are committed to providing protection and security."
Watch below via CNN.
