As Americans wait to see if the United States officially becomes a Banana Republic, pending former President Donald Trump's indictment sometime this week, leaked emails from the prosecutor's office sent shockwaves through the political and legal world.ย
The former president, who has actively denied any wrongdoing and who has slammed Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg for forging ahead with what many believe to be a political witch hunt, also called on his supporters to "protest" in the event of his arrest.
The president reiterated the call to action numerous times over the past several days, and according to Politico, in a leaked email, Bragg used the moment to hype up his office and followers to warn of "intimidation" by angry Trump supporters.
"Our law enforcement partners will ensure that any specific or credible threats against the office will be fully investigated and that the proper safeguards are in place so all 1,600 of us have a secure work environment," Bragg wrote.
He added: "As with all of our investigations, we will continue to apply the law evenly and fairly, and speak publicly only when appropriate."
Here is the full email from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to his employees, saying he will not tolerate intimidation after Trump called for protest. Story here: https://t.co/e6fuuYAKpV pic.twitter.com/8X3thHpwmy
โ erica orden (@eorden) March 19, 2023
It was unclear what he meant by the "proper safeguards," but reporters in New York City posted pictures of steel barricades being hauled in to bolster security around the courthouse.
Barricades Go Up in New York Ahead of Possible Trump Indictment #NoProtests https://t.co/owfOWO3DIA
โ Kimberly Jones (@Kimberlyjoneswa) March 21, 2023
In a breaking WNBC report Monday evening, it was revealed that NYPD officers were ready to mobilize on Tuesday for a possible indictment announcement.
JUST IN: All NYPD members directed to be in uniform Tuesday and ready to mobilize if needed regarding possible Trump indictment- WNBC
โ Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 21, 2023
Social media reaction to the evolving situation has intensified, with many high-profile Republicans, Democrats, independents, and social media influencers agreeing that using the indictment as a political weapon is a gross miscarriage of the U.S. Justice system.
Others offered prayers for the former president, for what lies ahead.
Pray for our President! Donald J Trump
๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐บ๐ธ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places
Ephesians 6:12 pic.twitter.com/GxcIArKb3yโ Squirrel Mama (@SquillMama) March 20, 2023
It will be an interesting, and downright scary, week ahead in America if Trump is, in fact, indicted.