Authorities came to the home of Justice Arthur F. Engoron on the day he was set to hear closing arguments in New York’s suit against Donald Trump. The former president had attacked him on social media.
A court spokesperson confirmed that Engoron had been threatened and a Nassau County spokesperson confirmed that police had responded to a security incident at a residence at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time (1030 GMT), without providing further details.
Security has been an issue throughout the months-long trial.
Engoron’s top staffer faced threats after Trump criticized her as politically biased, prompting the judge to issue a gag order barring him from disparaging court staff. Trump has been fined $15,000 for twice violating the order.
Most recently, Engoron on Wednesday denied Trump’s bid to deliver his closing arguments after the former president would not accept ground rules barring him from making a “campaign speech.”
Trump has criticized the trial as a “witch hunt” and complained that he was not being allowed to make his case.
The state is seeking nearly $370 million in penalties from the former US president for overstating his net worth to banks.
The lawsuit by New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges Trump and his associates inflated the value of his assets by billions of dollars to secure better loan terms and other financial benefits for more than a decade.
Some onlookers cheered and chanted “Thank you James” as she arrived at the courthouse.
The lawsuit is one of many legal troubles Trump faces, though none have diminished his commanding lead over party rivals.
