Fani Willis Faces Protest at Cocktail Event

Fulton Country District Attorney Fani Willis has been threatened with protest over a cocktail event she is scheduled to attend.

Willis, who is prosecuting Trump and 18 others over allegedly trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, is to appear at an event in Miami, Florida, on Friday called "cocktails & conversation mixer featuring Fani Willis."

The event, hosted by the National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO) will also feature NABCO President Commissioner Kionne McGhee and is free to attend.

On its invitation, it says there will be networking, music, cocktails and a DJ.

But the prosecutor has faced a backlash over the event from her political critics.

Newsweek contacted Willis' office by email to comment on this story.

Willis found herself embroiled in a scandal pertaining to a romantic relationship she had with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor she hired in the Trump case. It was argued this relationship was improper and should disqualify Willis from continuing to lead the case. She was allowed to remain on the condition that Wade was removed and he duly resigned, but the decision to keep Willis on the case is being appealed. Allies and supporters of Trump believe that the indictment against the former president is unfair.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Trump ally and far-right political activist Laura Loomer called Willis a "communist" and announced plans to protest the event.

"We are going to PROTEST Fani Willis and let her know that she is not welcome in President Trump's home state of Florida," she wrote.

Another X user wrote: "No one in Miami Dade wants Fani Willis in our state."

"She should have been disbarred it's a travesty she's still allowed to practice," wrote another.

A fourth X user wrote: "Maybe she should receive a warm welcome from a MAGA RALLY?"

"Come join us for a night of mingling, sipping on delicious cocktails, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations with special guest Fani Willis," the event page says.

"Don't miss out on this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, enjoy great drinks, and gain insights from our esteemed guest," it says. "Whether you're looking to expand your social circle or simply unwind after a long week, this event is the perfect place to be!"

Willis is up for reelection this year and is facing her first challenge in the May 21 primary. Attorney Christian Wise Smith, who ran against her in 2020, is the only challenger in the race. Despite the criticism she has faced, a new poll suggests she has expanded her support since she was first elected.

Trump has moved to dismiss two counts in the indictment Willis is prosecuting, with his attorneys Steven H. Sadow and Jennifer L. Little filing a briefing on Wednesday asking for charges of filing false documents and conspiracy to commit filing false documents to be dropped, arguing that they can only be brought in federal court.