On Wednesday (April 6), NBC News reported that the judge presiding over former President Donald Trump’s case and the judge’s family had received threats since Trump’s arraignment on Tuesday.
Before and after the arraignment, the former President criticized Judge Juan Merchan for being a “Trump hating judge,” extending that criticism to Merchan’s family, who have also received threats since the arraignment.
Before the arraignment, Trump suggested being the target of prosecution could result in “potential death and destruction.”
During the arraignment, Merchan warned Trump to “refrain” from publishing posts on social media that could lead to violence.
Despite the warning, Trump continued to attack Merchan and those involved in the case during a speech he gave at Mar-a-Lago Tuesday night after his appearance in the Manhattan court.
In the speech, Trump repeated his claims that Merchan is a “Trump-hating judge” while launching extensive criticism against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), who is leading the investigation into Trump.
NBC, citing two sources familiar with the matter, revealed that Merchan and his family had received multiple threats in the 24 hours since the arraignment.
One official relayed Joe Merchan and his family had received “dozens” of threats recently but did not specify a timeline.
Another official shared that Bragg and other senior officials in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office are also receiving threats by email, letters, and phone calls.
In response to the threats, court officials are increasing security at Merchan and the courthouse, while NYPD officers assigned to the District Attorney’s security detail are also providing additional security for affected employees.
