The Manhattan grand jury investigating former President Donald Trump could move forward with an indictment as soon as law enforcement officials have safety measures in place in the event of protesting or violence.
Trump announced on Truth Social over the weekend that he expected to be arrested on Tuesday, decrying "illegal leaks" and a "highly political" prosecutor preparing to take him into custody. After putting “protest, take our nation back" in his message, law enforcement officers in New York and Washington, among others, began to prepare for any chances of unrest akin to what was seen at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
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While there has been no confirmation from the prosecutors in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office that an indictment is coming, they took an important step by hearing testimony from Robert Costello, a lawyer who said he had information regarding the credibility of Michael Cohen, who already testified before the grand jury.
All New York Police Department officers were told to wear full uniforms starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, including detectives who usually dress in plainclothes. Hundreds of riot police officers have been mobilized as well.
New York officials have been monitoring any discussions online relating to threats of varying degrees, and portable metal barricades were dropped off to safeguard streets and sidewalks. However, there are no immediate signs that Trump’s calls for protests are being heeded.
It is unclear what the grand jury's next steps will be, but it will meet again on Wednesday. Sources told the Guardian that Cohen is not expected to be called back for any more testimony after Costello testified.
Costello, who provided legal services to Cohen several years ago, told reporters he did not believe Cohen's claims.
Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to paying Daniels $130,000 during the 2016 campaign to prevent her from going public about an alleged affair she had with the former president in 2005. Costello broke from Cohen before he pleaded guilty.
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“If they want to go after Donald Trump and they have solid evidence, then so be it,” Costello said. “But Michael Cohen is far from solid evidence.”
However, there are no clear signs as to whether Costello's testimony will affect the trajectory of the investigation.