Donald Trump’s historic hush money trial is already shaping up to be a months-long spectacle, with dozens of court officials from other boroughs being mobilized to help staff Manhattan courtrooms. The Post reported.
Law enforcement officials say the U.S. Secret Service has been working with New York state court officials and the New York City Police Department for at least two weeks on ways to beef up security at Manhattan Supreme Court as the former president’s criminal trial begins with jury selection on Monday. They are said to be in discussions.
Up to two police officers could be called in from about 20 other courthouses in the 5th Ward, possibly as part of a “citywide effort” to try the Republican presidential candidate, officials said. Ta.
It will be the first time a former US president has gone on trial on criminal charges, and the trial is expected to last about four months, with Trump required to appear in person every day the court is in session.
The 45th president’s daily commute to lower Manhattan, road closures around the courthouse and additional staffing could be costly.
But state court officials declined to put a price tag on how much the high-profile case is expected to cost taxpayers.
“All high-profile trials involve the use of significant human resources,” said Al Baker, a spokesman for the state Office of Court Administration.
“The court has had to make staffing adjustments to provide the necessary additional security for the Manhattan Criminal Court building during this trial, but no new staff have been hired. Budgets are determined on a case-by-case basis. It is not determined in consideration of the special characteristics of
Meanwhile, court staff said they were “excited” to work hours of overtime during the trial.
One veteran already assigned to Mr. Trump’s duty said he planned to work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the trial. That means he will be working at least four hours of overtime every day.
“This is not Trump money, this is Bragg money,” he told the Post, referring to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is prosecuting the case. However, overtime pay for court employees would likely come from the state, not from the state attorney’s office budget.
“If they pay extra, I don’t care. I will protect the 47th president of the United States,” he added, apparently looking ahead to a Trump victory in 2024.
Sergeant Patrick Cullen, president of the New York State Supreme Court Employees Association, declined to comment on the specific number of people on trial, but acknowledged that public servants are required by the federal government to pay overtime. Ta.
“Our members will be well prepared to address any public safety needs and challenges,” he said.
“While I cannot speak to my personal feelings regarding this incident or any incident that our members may have, I have no doubt that their professionalism, as always, has been on display and is unparalleled. It will be proven.”
Several police officers who helped secure the former president’s fraud trial in nearby Manhattan Civil Court in February have also already been told they will be under Trump’s supervision starting next week, court officials said. That’s what it means.
“The collective efforts of our staff are ensuring the safety of the president and the public,” said Stephen Mikos, president of the New York State Court Employees Association, regarding the heightened security measures.
“They’ve done this before, so they’re ready,” he added. “It’s the same security measures since he first showed up.”
Meanwhile, the NYPD will have an increased presence outside the courthouse and traffic closures will be implemented near the building, officials said.
Secret Service agents will be assisting police officers and court officials inside and outside the building, officials added.
During Trump’s previous Manhattan criminal court appearances, the NYPD barricaded himself outside the courthouse at 100 Center Street, a deserted block several streets away, to give the former president’s motorcade easy access. was blocked off.
In preparation for these court appearances, court officials installed an additional layer of security and manned metal detectors just outside the 15th-floor courtroom.
A similar scene is expected on Monday.
President Trump is acquitted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to his attempt to conceal payments to keep quiet about his alleged affair with former porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election He insisted.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to four years in prison.
