Judge Juan Merchan, who oversees the legal proceedings for former President Trump in the hush money payment case and his family have received multiple threats since Trump’s arrest on Tuesday, NBC News reported Thursday.
Before and after his arrest, the former president harshly criticized Merchan as a “Trump hating judge.” He has also criticized members of Merchan’s family.
Prior to his arraignment, Trump made suggestions that “potential death and destruction” could come from him facing charges. At the arraignment, Merchan warned Trump that he should “refrain” from social media posts that could incite violence.
But Trump continued attacking Merchan and others involved in the case in a speech he gave Tuesday night following the arraignment. He reiterated his accusation that Merchan is a “Trump-hating judge” and railed against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), who requested a grand jury approve charges against Trump.
Citing two sources familiar with the matter, NBC News reported that Merchan and his family have received multiple threats in just the 24 hours following the hearing. An official said Merchan and his office have also received “dozens” of threats in connection with the case.
The threats have come from calls, emails and letters, the news outlet reported.
Court officers are increasing security for Merchan and the court as a precaution, while New York police officers assigned to the district attorney’s office’s security detail is also providing additional security to affected staff members.
Trump was indicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment that former Trump attorney Michael Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election for her to remain quiet about an alleged affair she had with Trump.
Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges on Tuesday and has denied having an affair with Daniels.
