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Ahead of an expected indictment against former US President Donald Trump (76), New York is preparing for possible protests. There were heightened security measures in front of the courthouse in midtown Manhattan on Monday – metal fences were erected and police presence increased. “We’re monitoring social media responses,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, 62.
The New York Police Department is making sure no “improper acts” take place in the city, Adams said. He was “confident” that she could do this. Trump had previously called for protests in light of an expected indictment of hush money payments to a porn star, claiming he would be “arrested” this Tuesday.
An indictment on Tuesday is unlikely, according to American media. Broadcaster CNN, among others, reported on Monday evening that this is now expected in the coming week at the earliest. The New York prosecutor is investigating the ex-president who was voted out for hush money payments to actress Stormy Daniels (44) and model Karen McDougal (51). An indictment in the case seems increasingly likely.
US intelligence is involved
Investigators question whether Trump may have violated campaign finance laws by making the payment. Hush money isn’t illegal in the US, but the indictment could make Daniels’ $130,000 and McDougal’s $150,000 in a campaign donation illegal in New York State. Trump, who is seeking another Republican presidential nomination, sees the proceedings — like many other legal disputes — as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
Monday night there was a small protest in front of the courthouse in Manhattan – until the evening there were no riots. Broadcast station CNBC reports that the US secret service, together with the New York police, adjusted the security plans on Monday. Trump’s call for protests brought back memories of the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, when Trump incited his supporters before they forcefully entered Washington’s Houses of Parliament.
Trump’s circle had assured in advance that the ex-president would follow the usual procedure if an indictment were brought – and would also voluntarily appear in court to find out details of possible charges. This would not require a sensational arrest. It is also considered likely that Trump could go home after such a formal procedure.
“I Can’t Read Minds”
The grand jury responsible for the case also heard witness Robert Costello, an attorney, on Monday. In the United States, a jury decides whether to indict a case after the prosecution has presented evidence. “I can’t read minds,” Costello said when asked by a reporter if Trump would be charged. Costello argued with the prosecution’s star witness, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. He now doubts Cohen’s credibility. “If they want to take action against Donald Trump and have solid evidence, then so be it,” Costello said. But Cohen is far from “solid evidence”.
Meanwhile, prominent US Republican Ron DeSantis, 44, criticized the New York prosecutor for their investigation into Trump. Florida governor accused prosecutor Alvin Bragg of leading a “political spectacle.” When a prosecutor ignores everyday crimes and instead deals with a case from years ago involving hush money payments to porn stars, he’s pursuing a “political agenda” and using his office as a weapon. “That’s fundamentally wrong.”
mockery of Trump
DeSantis is currently considered Trump’s biggest internal party competitor. He is also expected to run as a presidential candidate in the November 2024 election. While DeSantis was now lashing out at the Manhattan prosecutor, he also took a sneer at Trump during his performance. He couldn’t comment on how a porn star got hush money to keep quiet about some alleged affair. This earned DeSantis laughter from the audience.
Trump immediately teased back and made ambiguous allusions. DeSantis may hear of “false accusations and false stories” at some point in the future “when he is unfairly and illegally assaulted by a woman, even a classmate who is ‘underage’ (or possibly a man!),” he wrote. network he co-founded Truth Social. He also accused his party colleague of wanting to cut social benefits. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
