For a few years now many people have been wanting to hear these words: “Donald Trump has been arrested.” Several days ago the former United States President posted on his Truth Social platform that he expected to be arrested. In a long statement, Trump claimed the investigation had been a “political witch-hunt trying to take down the leading candidate, by far, in the Republican Party.”
Trump’s Claims
He insisted that he had done nothing wrong adding that America had a “corrupt, depraved and weaponised justice system.” He then urged his supporters to protest against authorities if he was in fact indicted and arrested.
If Trump is actually held accountable and arrested he would be the first U.S. President to face criminal prosecution. This could affect his 2024 campaigns as he would be standing trial at that time.
Last Friday, Trump’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, stated if the former president was charged, he would surrender. However, if he refuses to turn himself in, prosecutors could seek to have him extradited from Florida.
Possible Charges
The former president could face a multitude of charges if he is brought in. This would include:
- Extortion of Stormy Daniels. During the final days of his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump allegedly paid Daniels money to keep quiet. She claims he paid her $130,000 to keep quiet about their affair.
- Falsifying business records. After reimbursing his former attorney, Michael Cohen, Trump falsely recorded the transaction as legal services. Normally this is a misdemeanor offense. However, if the prosecution proves he did it to cover a second crime it would become a felony.
- Not to mention the investigation into whether or not he had incited the riot that happened on January 6, 2021. This incident caused mass destruction not only in a government building in Washington, D.C. but also across the United States.
Looking to Indict
Manhattan, New York prosecutors have hinted that they could place an indictment on the former president as soon as Wednesday, March 21, 2023. This of course would all depend on if the grand jury wants to indict him or not. In order for this to happen the majority of the jurors would need to vote yes.
Ahead of the possible indictment and arrest, authorities have placed barricades around the courthouse. They are attempting to get ahead of the possible rioting that may occur. This would be a safe assumption if one were to look back at the insurrection in 2021 and the protesting that is already occurring.
Bomb Threat
There was also a bomb threat called into the lower Manhattan courthouse hearing the $250 million lawsuit against Trump. Authorities closed down the building to search for the supposed threat. However, they did not locate a threat of any sort, according to court spokesman Lucian Chalfen.
This civil lawsuit was brought up against the former president by Democratic New York Attorney General (AG), Letitia James. The suit was filed in September saying that the former president, his family, and his company inflated the value of their real estate assets.
After the bomb threat was made, Trump attacked AG James on his social media platform. He claimed the civil suit against him was “completely bogus.”
The former president believes that New York’s Attorney General office needs to be investigated. Stated James was “elected solely on a ‘I WILL GET TRUMP’ platform.” All “without knowing anything about” him.
Grasping at Straws
Trump seems to be grasping at straws as legal cases begin to fall into place. If his words do cause another violent riot, it is safe to assume Trump will face charges for it as well. Additionally, it does not help his case, claiming to be innocent as he begs his followers to rise up again. Many are fearful of what could happen if in fact Trump gets his wish and his followers protest his arrest and indictment.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
The Hill: Bomb threat disrupts NY court where Trump case is being heard
The New York Times: How an Indictment and Arrest of Donald Trump Could Unfold
Sky News: What happens if Donald Trump is arrested?
Slate: What’s Worse for Donald Trump Than Getting Indicted?
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore‘s Flickr Page -Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Justin Norman‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
