NYPD among local, state and federal agencies prepare for Trump indictment

A law enforcement source said the New York Police Department as well as federal, state and local agencies are preparing for a possible indictment against former President Donald Trump in New York next week.

The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies — including the US Secret Service and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force — are preparing security plans in and around the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse where Trump will appear potentially if charged in connection with a $130,000 silent payment to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, according to the source. Daniels alleges the money was paid to keep her quiet about a sexual encounter with Trump years earlier.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg addressed the safety issue in an email to employees on Saturday, telling them that “your safety is our top priority.” The contents of the email, which was first reported by Politico, has been confirmed to CBS News.

“We do not tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York City,” Bragg wrote. “Our law enforcement partners will ensure that any specific or credible threats against the office are fully investigated and that the appropriate safeguards are in place so that the 1,600 of us have a safe working environment.”

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, pleaded guilty in 2018 to campaign finance charges stemming from his involvement in the payments and was sentenced to three years in prison.

The alleged scheme first surfaced years ago when Trump was still in office. The investigation has gained momentum in recent months as the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office convened a grand jury to consider the case.

A grand jury in New York heard the case and could possibly vote to deliver an indictment against Trump.

On Saturday, Trump, who denies the allegations, said in a social media post that he expects to be arrested on Tuesday.

He added that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office indicate that “THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE AND FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY NEXT WEEK.”

Trump also implored his supporters to protest, saying, “THEY’RE KILLING OUR NATION WHILE WE SIT AND WATCH. WE MUST SAVE AMERICA! PROTEST, PROTEST, PROTEST!!!”

The indictment of a former president would be a first in American history as Trump seeks to be named GOP chairman in 2024.