A law enforcement source said the New York Police Department, along with federal, state and local agencies, is preparing for a possible indictment of former President Donald Trump in New York next week.
The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies — including the US Secret Service and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force — are preparing security plans in and around Manhattan Criminal Court, where Trump may appear if he is in connection with an alleged $130,000 hush money payment -Dollar is being charged against Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, the source said. Daniels claims the money was paid to keep her silent about a sexual encounter with Trump years earlier.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg addressed the safety issue in an email to employees Saturday, telling them “your safety is our top priority.” The content of the email, first reported by Politico, was confirmed to CBS News.
“We will not tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York,” Bragg wrote. “Our law enforcement partners will ensure that any specific or credible threats against the office are fully investigated and that the proper protective measures are put in place so that all 1,600 of us have a safe work environment.”
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Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, pleaded guilty in 2018 to campaign finance charges for his involvement in the payments and was sentenced to three years in prison.
The alleged scheme first came to light years ago when Trump was still in office. The investigation gained new momentum in recent months after the Manhattan Attorney’s Office convened a grand jury to investigate the matter.
A grand jury in New York has heard the case and could potentially vote to bring charges against Trump.
On Saturday, Trump, who denies the allegations, said in a social media post that he expects to be arrested on Tuesday.
He added that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan Attorney’s Office indicate that “THE FAR & WAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE & FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE ARRESTED TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.”
Trump also implored his supporters to protest, saying, “YOU’RE KILLING OUR NATION WHILE WE SIT BACK AND WATCH.” WE MUST SAVE AMERICA! PROTEST, PROTEST, PROTEST!!!”
An impeachment against a former president would be a first in American history as Trump seeks the GOP nomination for president in 2024.
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Pat Milton
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