Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the historic criminal case against former President Donald Trump, has received dozens of threats since Tuesday's arraignment. Hours after he was formally charged with 34 felonies, Trump denounced Judge Merchan and his family as biased against him. Law enforcement sources said the threats that have come in so far are unsubstantiated but confirmed that additional protection for Merchan and his lawyers is being provided.
The Manhattan judge has been targeted through letters, phone calls, emails and other forms of communication since Donald Trump’s arraignment on Tuesday. District Attorney Alvin Bragg has also faced similar harassment from individuals supporting the former president.
In a separate incident causing concern among law enforcement officials, Donald Trump Jr posted a photo of Judge Merchan's daughter online – an act widely considered inappropriate.
State and federal law enforcement agencies have stepped up security measures to protect those involved in this unprecedented case related to Stormy Daniels hush money payment allegations. The court facilities themselves have also experienced heightened safety precautions due to the ongoing situation.
Donald Trump faces charges relating to falsifying business records in a "catch-and-kill" scheme aimed at suppressing damaging stories before the 2016 presidential election - actions which violate election laws.
Judge Juan Merchan issued warnings directed toward former President Donald Trump regarding any commentary that could incite violence or further endanger those involved in this legal matter; such behavior may result in a gag order applied directly by the court if it continues unabated according.MessageBox