The indictment of former President Trump seems to have put the whole country on edge. But local law enforcement–long prepared for this outcome–has ramped up security accordingly.
As a precaution, the NYPD has ordered every member of the department to report in full uniform Friday, and that includes about 36,000 officers and 19,000 civilian employees. A busy weekend of pro- and anti-Trump demonstrations throughout the city is expected, especially around Trump Tower. Despite the president’s call for protests, many are unsure if these will materialize as they did on January 6th.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine tweeted after the indictment that “NYPD and other law enforcement agencies have been planning and coordinating intensively for this moment. New York City is ready. If there is a Trump mob, they have lost the element of surprise.”
Regarding security, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams said that “The mayor is in constant contact with Commissioner Sewell about all public safety issues affecting the city. The NYPD continues to monitor all activity and there are no credible threats to the city at this time. The NYPD always remains prepared to respond to events happening on the ground and keep New Yorkers safe.”
The security will likely be needed (and then some) for an unprecedented logistical challenge in moving the former president around the city. The other key player in this case is Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney, who exited his office surrounded by reporters and the NYPD on Thursday. The role of the Secret Service in this case is unclear.
Whatever may happen, the NYPD arguably has never been more on alert for an event of this nature in its history.
