Manhattan prosecutors have requested that a judge alter key elements of a gag order imposed on President Trump, due to numerous ‘death threats’ made against District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg and other officials.
The original gag order, established before Trump's trial began in mid-April, prevents him from attacking witnesses, jurors, court staff, and the family of Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over the trial. However, it does not restrict Trump from criticizing Bragg, Justice Merchan, or the trial itself.
In a 19-page filing submitted Friday, prosecutors suggested that while the portion of the gag order related to trial witnesses could be lifted, the protections for jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and their families should remain.
Since April, the New York Police Department has reported 56 actionable threats against Bragg, his family, and his staff, excluding hundreds of threatening emails and phone calls received by Bragg's office.
Trump is set to be sentenced on July 11, facing up to four years in prison, or potentially lesser punishments such as probation or home confinement. As the first American president to be convicted of criminal charges, Trump has used the guilty verdict to rally support, framing himself as a political prisoner.
