The U.S. Capitol will reportedly increase security levels in preparation for the reported indictment Tuesday of former President Donald Trump. In a statement released Monday night, the Sergeant at Arms said the “United States Capitol Police (USCP) anticipate demonstration activity across the country, related to the possible indictment of former President Trump.”
“While law enforcement is not tracking any specific, credible threats against Capitol or state offices, there is potential for demonstration activity,” the statement said. “USCP is working with law enforcement partners, so you may observe a greater law enforcement presence on Capitol Hill.”
After listing various streets where bike racks will remain open “to allow for pedestrian transit,” the statement concluded by saying the “Senate Operations Center (SOC) and State Office Readiness Program (SORP) are monitoring the situation and are prepared to share important information with the Senate community as the situation warrants.”
NEW — Security update from senate sergeant at arms pic.twitter.com/IeQ2oeAyzo
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) March 21, 2023
On Saturday, the former president said in a Truth Social post “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office indicated he would be arrested on Tuesday for alleged hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal.
He also called for supporters to get out and protest:
Republicans have rallied around the former president since the announcement, arguing that such an arrest would be a political abuse of power and likening it to Banana Republic.
My full statement on the illegal leaks stating that President Trump will be arrested next week: pic.twitter.com/VaTNVMjXpd
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) March 18, 2023
“[The Manhattan DA] should focus on the violent criminals terrorizing New York instead of pursuing politically motivated charges against [Trump],” tweeted Montana Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), saying that the New York Times called the arrest “risky legal theory.”
The New York Times wrote last week an indictment of Donald Trump would be no slam dunk for the prosecutors and a conviction would be “challenging.”
“Even if Mr. Trump is indicted, convicting him or sending him to prison will be challenging,” wrote the Times. “The case against the former president hinges on an untested and therefore risky legal theory involving a complex interplay of laws, all amounting to a low-level felony.”