New York’s ring of steel for Trump’s upcoming impeachment

New York City police began setting up cordons Monday morning around the courthouse complex in Manhattan, where Donald Trump is expected to be arrested this week, as the city braces for angry protests.

The former president announced over the weekend that he expects to be arrested this week as a grand jury prepares to hear the final witness in an investigation into hush money paid to a porn star.

As Trump’s team spent the weekend preparing his strategy to deal with the latest legal twist, police department officials and the mayor’s top public safety officials met to discuss how to handle protests.

It comes amid online chatter suggesting armed protesters may be trying to stop law enforcement officials from arresting Trump.

The result was a ring of steel built around the lower Manhattan courthouse where Trump was scheduled to be indicted.

New York Police Department officials erect barricades around Lower Manhattan’s court complex ahead of former President Donald Trump’s awaited indictment

It follows Trump’s own call for protests, raising fears his supporters could riot like they did on January 6, 2021.

On Saturday he announced on his social media platform Truth: “By far the leading Republican candidate and former President of the United States of America will be arrested next Tuesday.

“Protest, take back our nation!”

He kept up a bitter stream of comments over the weekend, railing against New York City Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Bragg’s office is believed to be at the end of its investigation into paying adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an affair with Trump – allegations he has long denied.

In an email to staff on Saturday, first reported by Politico, he tried to reassure prosecutors and other members of his office that he had been working with police and court officials to keep them safe.

“We will not tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York,” he wrote. “Our law enforcement partners will ensure that any specific or credible threats against the office are fully investigated.”

At the same time, officials told the Associated Press that police are monitoring online comments about protests.

New York City Police Department workers set up barricades in front of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office on March 20, 2023 in New York City

Trump posed for selfies with guests at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Sunday during the Palm Event display of historic cars, including classic cars and racers

Trump wore a navy suit with a polo shirt and signature red MAGA hat as he mingled

They contain messages calling on armed protesters to prevent the former president’s arrest.

Trump tried to offer a sense of business as usual over the weekend.

On Saturday he played the senior championship at his golf club in Jupiter, Fla. before flying to Oklahoma to watch the NCAA Wrestling Championship.

On Sunday, he mingled with guests at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., to show historic cars.

Nevertheless, some guests said his relaxed demeanor was just for show.

“I don’t think he’s as happy about the charges as he seems,” one said.

Supporters have already started appearing in front of Trump Tower in New York and around his home in Mar-a-Lago to defend the former president.

Trump used a social media post on Saturday to call on his supporters to protest as he claimed to be arrested as early as Tuesday. Helpers say they don’t know when

Two of the former President’s supporters are pictured here in front of Trump Tower on Friday for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City

The New York Young Republicans Club is hosting a protest Monday night. “Join us in peaceful protest against Alvin Bragg’s heinous attack on President Donald J. Trump…” it reads

They are organizing a major show of force outside of Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, according to social media posts.

And the New York Young Republicans Club is holding a demonstration Monday night.

“Join us in peaceful protest against Alvin Bragg’s heinous attack on President Donald J. Trump and the legitimacy of the American justice system,” read an invitation to members and supporters.

While Republicans have voiced their support for the former president, some have suggested that his words, which called for protest, were misconstrued.

‘I don’t think people should protest about it, no,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the California Republican, told reporters on Sunday.

“I think President Trump, when you talk to him, he doesn’t think so either.”