US Capitol enhances security measures ahead of possible Trump arrest

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Mar 2023 12:00

Ahead of the possible indictment and arrest of former US President Donald Trump, US Capitol security is enhanced and concerns rise in New York and Florida.

A supporter of former President Donald Trump raises a flag outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Florida. (AP)

Ahead of the possible indictment of former US President Donald Trump, Politico reported that the US Capitol Police has enhanced security measures in anticipation of protests in Washington.

Politico, citing sources with knowledge of the issue, stated that security will be strengthened starting Tuesday morning around the US Capitol. However, some intelligence officers have voiced concern given that some protests could be held near Trump's residence at a Mar-a-Lago resort and in New York City.

A few days ago, on Saturday, Trump, via his Truth Social platform called on his supporters to protest in case of his arrest as he criticized a "corrupt and highly political" Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Citing a "leak" from the Manhattan district attorney's office, Trump also wrote, "Leading Republican candidate & former President of the United States of America will be arrested on Tuesday of next week. Protest, take our nation back!"

It is important to note that while the hush-money case has opened pandora's box, it's not always prohibited to pay someone hush money in the US.

However, authorities are considering whether to prosecute Trump for falsifying the Trump Organization's financial records in relation to how they recorded the reimbursement of the payment that Michael Cohen, his then-fixer, claimed to have provided to Daniels.

Lawmakers request details before Trump's possible arrest

US House lawmakers sent a letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Monday, asking the prosecutor to provide details related to reports regarding the possible arrest of Donald Trump.

"You are reportedly about to engage in an unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority: the indictment of a former President of the United States and currently declared candidate for that office," the letter said. "In light of the serious consequences of your actions, we expect that you will testify about what plainly appears to be a politically motivated prosecutorial decision."

The letter was signed by US House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil. It requested documents related to Trump's investigation case.

Trump issued a statement on social media on Monday accusing Bragg of receiving more than 1 million dollars from businessman George Soros. He also accused him of having close ties to Hillary Clinton.