NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Donald Trump could be indicted by a Manhattan grand jury as soon as this week in a case connected to a 2016 “hush money” payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels, allegedly on Trump’s behalf. Law enforcement agencies like the NYPD and Secret Service have been planning meticulously for Trump’s possible arrest this week. Barricades are up outside Manhattan Criminal Court and Trump Tower. The indictment of a former president would be unprecedented in U.S. history, and authorities are preparing for protests and any other outcome.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22:
12:15 p.m. - Manhattan DA reportedly cancels grand jury session
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called off the grand jury Wednesday in an unexpected twist, according to multiple reports. The grand jury was expected to hear another witness, but the session was called off, sources told NBC News, Business Insider and the New York Post.
Bragg told the grand jury to be on standby for Thursday, WNBC reported, while law enforcement sources told Business Insider it’s unlikely the panel will reconvene at all this week, pushing back an indictment vote.
It’s unclear why the session was canceled. It may have been for a reason outside of the investigation, or it could be that prosecutors are reworking their strategy.
The news comes two days after unexpected testimony by lawyer Robert Costello, who was requested by the defense. Costello said he had info that raised questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, the former Trump attorney who's a key witness in the investigation.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22:
9:45 a.m. - Authorities ramp up presence around Trump Tower
Compared to Tuesday, there is a dramatic increase in the police presence on blocks around Trump Tower on Wednesday. Dozens of cops are on foot, and some sort of command post has been set up on E. 55th Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues. Some blocks are closed. The NYPD, Homeland Security and the Secret Service are among the agencies involved.
The NYPD has concerns on several fronts, including monitoring increased online chatter as to where demonstrations may take place. Police also reminded anyone interested in taking part in a rally, for or against Trump, that they can’t carry a concealed gun. On Tuesday, there were several unfounded bomb threats in the courthouse area in Lower Manhattan.
9:30 a.m. - Manhattan district attorney arrives at office
Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg was seen heading into the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday morning as the grand jury resumes its work in the case. Bragg said Tuesday that his office won’t be deterred by House Republicans, who demanded that he testify about the Trump investigation.
“We will not be intimidated by attempts to undermine the justice process, nor will we let baseless accusations deter us from fairly applying the law,” Bragg said in a statement, according to Axios. “In every prosecution, we follow the law without fear or favor to uncover the truth. Our skilled, honest and dedicated lawyers remain hard at work.”
9:15 a.m. - Grand jury resumes work reviewing evidence
The grand jury resumes work Wednesday in the case involving Trump. After all witnesses are called, prosecutors then present the charges for the panel to consider. A majority of 23 people must agree for an indictment to be voted. The defense was able to present its witness Monday, but the Manhattan D.A. manages the presentation and is set to call another witness before the panel Wednesday.
Trump is under investigation for a payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels in the days before the 2016 election. If he's indicted, it would be the first time a former president faces criminal charges. Trump must appear for an arraignment, but it doesn’t necessarily have to occur immediately after charges are announced. The Secret Service must first make a security assessment of the courthouse and the area before he goes before a judge.
8:15 a.m. - Command post set up at Trump Tower
The Secret Service and other law enforcement have set up a command post at Trump Tower. As a former president, Trump still gets Secret Service protection. If Trump is indicted, the Secret Service would be the overriding agency, providing topflight security and determining how he enters and leaves the courthouse in Lower Manhattan. They’d likely want to minimize his contact with the public as much as possible.
7 a.m. - Major law enforcement presence at Trump Tower
There’s a major law enforcement presence, including members of the Secret Service and NYPD, around Trump Tower, the former president’s longtime residence in Manhattan. Trump is now a resident of Florida, but he still has his penthouse at Trump Tower and could stay there if he’s indicted and must travel to the city to appear before a judge. At last check Tuesday, he was at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.
5 a.m. - Barricades up on Fifth Avenue outside Trump Tower
Barricades lined Fifth Avenue outside Trump Tower in Midtown on Wednesday morning. A potential indictment could come as soon as Wednesday. Trump said over the weekend he expected to be arrested on Tuesday, but that didn’t happen. The grand jury is set to hear from another witness on Wednesday.
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