The New York Police Department (NYPD) has ordered every member of the force, including detectives who usually dress in plain clothes, to report in full uniform on Friday morning as a precautionary measure following the indictment of former President Donald Trump by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The department said that even though there were no credible threats, it is preparing for possible unrest after concerns were sparked earlier this month when Trump called on his supporters to protest and "take our nation back" in anticipation of his indictment.
Steel barricades have been erected outside the Manhattan Criminal Court and the Manhattan district attorney's offices since last week as the city braced for potential violence. Discussions between the NYPD and FBI have focused on how a criminal charge against Trump may increase threats to courthouse security, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and his staff, and potential protests outside of the courthouse.
Critics see this move by NYPD as politically motivated and weaponizing U.S. justice system. However, police officials stated that they will respect people's First Amendment rights but won't tolerate property damage or violence.
Trump was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury over allegations related to cover-up payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign involving porn star Stormy Daniels. Sources familiar with the case allegedly told CNN that he is facing more than 30 counts related to business fraud in an indictment from a Manhattan grand jury.
While President Biden has not commented yet regarding Trump’s indictment, he did make comments recently about democracy at risk globally due to authoritarian regimes’ crackdowns on opposition leaders.
Trump responded calling this “political persecution” saying that American people realize what Radical Left Democrats are doing here. He also vowed defeat for both President Biden and Alvin Bragg stating they “are going down!”
The situation remains fluid with much uncertainty surrounding it; however, the NYPD has taken precautions to ensure public safety.