Prosecutors at an investigation that could see Donald Trump arrested in New York on Monday (US time) said they will not be intimidated as police in the city prepare for violence.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg told the staff that he would “not tolerate” any threats against them from supporters of the former president.
The New York Police Department monitors social media for hints of violence and is said to be preparing to deploy a 700-strong unit that specializes in ‘chaos control’ if there are riots on the streets.
Trump said he expects to be taken into custody tomorrow over an investigation into the $193,000 payment of ‘hush money’ to former porn star Stormy Daniels.
The payment was made by Trump’s personal attorney at the time, Michael Cohen, days before the 2016 election and prosecutors are investigating whether it involved falsifying business records.
Trump, who is running for the White House next year, announced his expected arrest on social media and demanded that his supporters “Protest! Protest! Protest!”
Extensive talks are underway between city officials and the NYPD to avoid a repeat of the January 6, 2021 riots at the US Capitol.
In an email, Mr Bragg told staff: “Our law enforcement partners will ensure that any identified or credible threats against the office are fully investigated, and that appropriate safeguards are in place so that all 1,600 of us have a safe working environment.
“As with all of our investigations, we will continue to apply the law equally and fairly, speaking publicly only when appropriate.”
In the email, which was obtained by Politico’s website, Mr. Bragg did not identify Mr. Trump by name, referring only to “public comments surrounding the ongoing investigation by this office.”
In Florida, Trump supporters called on Gov. Ron DeSantis to bring in the National Guard to protect him.
On a pro-Trump and far-right internet forum called The Donald, one comment, which garnered hundreds of upvotes, said: “Surround Mar-a-Lago or wherever it currently is and deny entry to ‘law enforcement.
According to the CNN television station, Mr. Trump discussed with his legal team the possibility of a remote court appearance in Manhattan due to security concerns.
However, he has also indicated that he wants to go in person as he may want to give his statement outside of court.
But this would pose a major security challenge to the Secret Service that accompanied him.
Mr. Trump’s lawyers have said he will turn himself in if asked and intends to apply for bail.
If indicted, he would become the first former US president ever to be indicted and the first major presidential candidate to seek office while impeached.
Prosecutors are investigating whether Mr. Trump falsified records of the Trump Organization, and his real estate business, in connection with the payment to Miss Daniels, a minor charge under New York law called a misdemeanor.
Mr. Trump could also have falsified the records with the intent to commit or conceal another crime, which in this case would be a violation of campaign finance laws.
This would be a more serious felony and would be punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of one year and a maximum of four years.
Republicans have rallied around Trump with Senator Lindsey Graham, one of his closest allies, saying it is part of a “never-ending effort to destroy Donald Trump”.
Mike Pence, Trump’s vice president, who is set to run against him for the 2024 Republican nomination, said he was “surprised” by the allegation, which he called “politically charged.”
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has advised Mr Trump in the past, said: “Seeing the former President of the United States being processed, fingerprinted, photographed — you know, what more do we expect Trump to say than to say she helps his campaign? But to be accused, I don’t think it helps anyone at all.”
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