Trump made the statement on his Truth Social site and called on his followers to “take our nation back” in anticipation of his looming indictment. The Big Apple is reportedly bracing for the worst after Trump urged his supporters to protest. Federal, state, and local authorities have been put on alert.
Several agencies are expected to meet again on Monday to discuss security measures, including restricting vehicle access to the Manhattan courthouse and deploying officers inside and outside the building. Bragg’s office has neither confirmed nor denied an imminent indictment.
The NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, Kevin Maloney, stated that the department would handle the situation as it would any other, and there would be conversations with intelligence bureaus and stakeholders in the federal courthouse and the DA’s office. He added that he would assume they would have advanced notice of the timing of events and would ensure that the entrances and exits to the courthouse are secure.
Trump allegedly paid hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels in the lead up to the 2016 election, who claimed to have had an affair with him in 2006, which he has denied. Daniels reportedly received over $130,000 in hush money from Trump’s former attorney and fixer Michael Cohen. In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to violating federal campaign finance laws in connection with the payments and was sentenced to three years in prison.
The Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg has been investigating the allegations, and his office will not be intimidated by Trump’s call for protests. Bragg said his law enforcement partners would investigate any specific or credible threats against his office and ensure that proper safeguards are in place so all 1,600 of them have a secure work environment. Bragg said they would continue to apply the law evenly and fairly, and speak openly only when appropriate.
Trump’s alleged pending arrest has caused tensions to rise, with law enforcement agencies preparing for possible unrest. However, Bragg’s office has not confirmed any imminent indictments. Regardless, law enforcement agencies are on alert and are taking necessary precautions to ensure public safety.
HT nypost.com
