Press
The judge in the trial against Donald Trump could order short-term detention. Reason: contempt of court. The secret service is rehearsing an emergency.
New York – The US Secret Service Secret Service is intended to prepare for the possible scenario that former President Donald Trump is placed in short-term detention. Judge Juan Merchan could order the short-term detention if the court decides Trump for contempt of court to accuse, reports ABC News on Tuesday (April 23). Among other things, Trump is said to have violated the news blackout. Judge Merchan reserved a decision Tuesday after a contentious hearing. Nevertheless, the Secret Service is now said to have started planning what to do if Trump goes to prison.
Security officials don't believe Merchan would put Trump in a courthouse jail cell, but they are planning for any eventuality, officials said ABC. So far there has been no discussion about what will happen if Trump is sentenced to prison.
Secret Service does not comment: But federal law provides protection for former presidents
The Secret Service declined to comment on specific plans on the matter. Just this much: “Under federal law, the U.S. Secret Service is required to protect current members of the government, former presidents and first ladies, visiting heads of state, and other individuals designated by the President of the United States,” the U.S. agency said in a statement. “For all theaters around the world, we examine locations and develop comprehensive, multi-layered protection models that incorporate state-of-the-art technology, protection intelligence and advanced security tactics to protect our wards. Beyond that, we do not comment on specific protective measures.”
The security measures could be necessary because Trump is said to have violated court conditions in the trial in New York. Including against the news blackout imposed. That's because prosecutors argued that Trump violated it – which bars testimony from witnesses, jurors and lawyers in the case except for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg – on at least 10 different occasions this month.
Trump's lawyers assert: No violation of the news blackout imposed
Trump's lawyers, however, assert that the accusation is not true. Prosecutors would not have proven that Trump's social media posts criticizing Cohen and Daniels constituted intentional violations of the news blackout. Trump merely defended himself against the attacks of potential witnesses. Defense lawyers also argued that the news blackout was worded too vaguely and allowed Trump to make “political” statements.
Opening statements began on Monday (April 22) in the historic criminal trial against former US President Trump for covering up a hush money payment. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo said at the beginning of his plea in a New York court that Trump was guilty of a “criminal conspiracy” and concealing crimes, reports German press agency.
Trump faces many years in prison. His lawyers are trying to delay the trial. However, a verdict could come before the presidential elections in November (dpa/bg).
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