Police in Long Island, New York, announced on January 11 that they responded to a bomb threat at the home of Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over a civil lawsuit against former President Trump.
Judge Arthur Engoron (right) at a court hearing in December 2023
According to NBC News, a bomb squad was dispatched to Engoron's home and is investigating, but it is unclear whether the judge was home at the time.
The incident occurred just hours before closing arguments in the case. On January 10, Engoron and Trump attorney Chris Kise had a tense exchange over whether Trump could speak at the hearing. Judge Engoron ultimately rejected the request.
Mr Trump criticized Mr Engoron when the judge issued a rule prohibiting defendants from making offensive statements to court officials. The former president was fined twice, totalling $15,000, for violating the rule.
"I really have no right. We'll see if the judge lets me speak," Trump said upon arriving at the court, according to Reuters.
Former President Donald Trump at a court hearing on January 11 in New York
Court spokesman Al Baker said security was tight at the courthouse as arguments were being prepared. Baker said a threat had been made against Judge Engoron, who has been a frequent target of criticism from former President Trump during the months-long trial.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing and seeking nearly $370 million in fines against Mr. Trump for inflating the value of his assets to get preferential loans and taxes.
The former president has denied the allegations and said the lawsuit is politically motivated, an act of election interference as he is running for re-election.
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