The Manhattan District Attorney‘s office has urged the continuation of protective measures against Donald Trump‘s public attacks, despite his recent conviction. This comes in the wake of a surge in threats against DA Alvin Bragg, his family, and staff members.
On May 30, Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, facing 34 felony counts related to a hush-money scheme. His sentencing is scheduled for July 11, shortly before the Republican National Convention.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo submitted a filing detailing the security concerns. It included an affidavit from NYPD Sergeant Nicholas Pistilli, who reported 61 threat cases against Bragg, his family, and employees this year, with most occurring in the past three months.
Pistilli cited alarming threats such as “we will kill you all,” “you are dead,” “Your life is done” and “RIP.” He also mentioned “a post showing sniper shots on people involved in this case or a family member of such a person, and a post disclosing the home address of a DA Office employee.”
The filing referenced NBC News reporting on the violent rhetoric targeting prosecutors, the judge, and jurors following Trump’s guilty verdict. It emphasized that while Trump retains the right to criticize the verdict and proceedings, the gag order remains crucial to protect those involved in the criminal justice process.
Prosecutors refuted Trump’s claims about the gag order, stating his motion “once again includes a number of categorically false accusations,” including an alleged conspiracy to restrict his speech at a future presidential debate. They labeled this accusation as having “no factual basis” and being “a lie.”
The DA’s office argued for maintaining the gag order regarding attorneys, DA staff, family members, and jurors.
However, they suggested lifting restrictions on Trump’s ability to speak about trial witnesses, noting that “the compelling interest in protecting the witnesses’ ability to testify without interference is no longer present.”
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