New York Judge and Clerk Face Serious Threats Amid Trump’s Civil Fraud Trial

Alarming surge in harassment prompts security concerns, as court staff, including Judge Engoron and his clerk, grapple with escalating threats during the high-profile trial.
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An alarming surge in harassment prompts security concerns, as court staff, including Judge Engoron and his clerk, grapple with escalating threats during the high-profile trial.

The civil fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump has taken a concerning turn, as a New York judge and his law clerk have faced a barrage of harassing messages deemed “serious and credible” by court security. The threats intensified after Trump publicly criticized court staff, including baseless allegations against Judge Arthur Engoron’s law clerk, prompting security concerns.

According to Charles Hollon, a court officer-captain in New York, assigned to the Judicial Threats Assessment unit of the Department of Public Safety, threats against the judge and his clerk have significantly increased since October 3. The threats are described as “serious and credible” and have led to a gag order preventing Trump from making statements about court staff.

Hollon’s sworn statement reveals the extent of the harassment, including daily messages, phone doxing, and an alarming rise in the use of antisemitic language. Judge Engoron has already fined Trump twice for a total of $15,000 for violating the gag order.

Last week, a temporary lifting of the gag order was granted by a New York appeals court judge following Trump’s argument that it violated his constitutional rights. However, court officials, including lawyers for the Court Administration for New York State and the New York Attorney General’s office, are urging the court to maintain the gag order for the safety of court staff and the integrity of the trial proceedings.

Hollon revealed that since the gag order was lifted on November 16, the volume of harassing messages has further increased, raising concerns about the security of the judge and those associated with the trial.

The court is set to receive Trump’s brief on the matter by Monday, and further legal proceedings will determine the fate of the gag order.

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