Authorities are investigating a bomb threat at the residence of the judge presiding over former President Donald Trump’s New York civil fraud case. This alarming incident occurred just hours before the scheduled closing arguments in the trial.
According to a court official, police are currently investigating a threat that was made at the home of Judge Arthur Engoron on Long Island.
According to the AP, there was a bomb threat reported at the court. Al Baker, a court spokesperson, confirmed the incident by stating, “There was a threat. I can confirm a bomb threat.” Despite the situation, the court is proceeding with its scheduled proceedings and closing arguments as planned.
The trial will proceed as scheduled, as confirmed by the New York Attorney General’s Office.
The Hill was informed by the Nassau County Police Department that they had received a call regarding a “swatting incident” in Great Neck Gardens on Long Island. However, they did not disclose the identity of the resident involved.
The Hill contacted the court for additional information.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit worth $250 million against Trump, the Trump organization, and his two adult sons. The lawsuit accuses the former president’s company of manipulating the value of its assets in order to obtain reduced taxes and improved insurance coverage. Trump and his sons have vehemently denied these allegations.
The trial commenced in October.
According to various media reports, it was revealed earlier this week that Trump had planned to present his own closing argument. However, this plan was rejected by Engoron when his legal team failed to assure that he would stick to relevant matters in the case.
In a recent email exchange regarding the request, Engoron expressed his willingness to allow Trump to present his closing argument. However, he made it clear that certain conditions must be met. Engoron insisted that Trump must agree, on the record, to strictly limit the topics of discussion to those permissible in a lawyer’s closing statement. Engoron also warned Trump that if he were to violate any of these rules, he would not hesitate to interrupt him, issue a warning, or even impose a fine.
One of the lawyers in James’ office raised an objection to Trump delivering his own closing argument. The lawyer argued that Trump does not have the right to do so.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his strong disapproval of Judge Engoron’s decision, accusing both the judge and James of collaborating to undermine him.
Throughout the trial, he and Engoron have engaged in a series of exchanges, including a separate legal dispute over a gag order that was implemented at the beginning of the case.
The closing arguments, which are set to commence on Thursday, will provide both parties with a allocated time of two hours and 15 minutes to deliver their concluding remarks to the judge.
The decision on the case may be reached by the end of the month.
