Former President Trump’s hush money trial is scheduled to begin Monday in New York City, where security is expected to be tight.
The U.S. Secret Service, New York City Police Department and New York State Unified Court System released a statement Friday saying they are working together to ensure the “highest level” of safety and security for the upcoming proceedings.
“The U.S. Secret Service stands ready to effectively carry out our protection mission here in New York,” Patrick J. Freeney, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s New York Field Office, said in a statement. “While operational security prevents me from going into details, the U.S. Secret Service does not intend to provide any special accommodations other than those necessary to ensure the continued safety of the former president. ”
President Trump falsified business records related to hush money paid by ex-fixer Michael Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election. has been charged with a crime.
This case is the first time a former president has been put on trial, and the first time a former president has been tried criminally.
President Trump’s repeated attempts to delay the trial beyond Election Day have been rebuffed. He argued that the trial should be postponed indefinitely, arguing that intensive media coverage of the case was biasing potential jurors.
New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban said planning for high-profile public safety events like trials is “very familiar territory” for local law enforcement.
“Our long-standing relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Secret Service and the New York State Unified Court System, ensure the safety of the courthouse and everyone inside, and the peace and quiet of outside the building.” “It will help facilitate and maintain public gatherings and ensure the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the surrounding area during the litigation period,” Caban said in a statement.
The New York State Unified Court System echoed a similar message. Chief Justice Michael Magliano said in a statement that court staff are “highly trained and experienced in managing high-profile cases.”
Mariano said his team is prepared to protect the safety of everyone in the courthouse, including trial participants, the media, and the general public.
Jury selection in the case begins Monday. The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks and will require Trump to appear in court daily.
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