NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 04: Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits at the defense table with his defense team in a Manhattan court during his arraignment on April 4, 2023, in New York City. Trump was arraigned during his first court appearance today following an indictment by a grand jury that heard evidence about money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. With the indictment, Trump becomes the first former U.S. president in history to be charged with a criminal offense. (Photo by Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)
While arraigning former President Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records, Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan warned Trump not to incite political violence. Merchan chided Trump’s rhetoric toward New York City officials during the arraignment.
The judge did not decide to put a gag order on the former President but said he would consider them if Trump continues to berate officials.
Adam Reiss, a reporter for NBC News, recounted the judge’s statements made in the closed courtroom.
“The prosecutor went on to say that Mr. Trump has made recent threatening emails and speeches both directed at New York City, the courts here in New York, the justice system and the district attorney’s office,” Reiss said. “He said that these are irresponsible social media posts that threaten death and destruction and even World War III.
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“He said that these public statements to the district attorney, which included a photo of him swinging a baseball bat towards the district attorney’s head, was very concerning. They’re concerned about this and what effect it will have on potential jurors and witnesses. But they said that this will not dissuade the office.”
Trump, who still faces a federal criminal investigation into his handling of the January 6 insurrection of the U.S. Capitol, has been making false claims about government officials.
City officials have worried that Trump’s statements could lead to political protests. So far, the protests have been attended by a paltry number of supporters.
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