NEW YORK: The judge presiding over the fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump received a bomb threat at his home just hours before the closing arguments of the civil trial on Thursday in Manhattan.
The incident occurred as Trump entered the courtroom, describing the trial as an “unconstitutional witch hunt” and expressing frustration over the judge’s decision to rescind his permission to make his own closing remarks.
Earlier in the day, Nassau County Police responded to a bomb threat targeting the home of New York Judge Arthur Engoron around 5:30 a.m., which was later confirmed by a court spokesperson. Despite the threat, the trial proceeded as scheduled.
Fraud Charges Against Donald Trump
In the trial, New York Democratic Attorney General Letitia James is seeking a fine of over $370 million against Trump and a ban on him and his two eldest sons from serving as officials of a business in the state. The case revolves around allegations that Trump inflated his net worth to secure favorable loans and insurance deals. Judge Engoron had previously ruled in September that Trump could be held liable for these actions.
During the trial, Trump criticized the judge for not allowing him to make the closing summation, describing the proceedings as unfair. The judge aims to issue a written decision on damages by the end of January.
It’s important to note that this case is distinct from the New York state felony charges against Trump related to the alleged falsification of business records, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Additionally, it is separate from author E. Jean Carroll’s second defamation lawsuit against the former president.
