Tight security planned ahead of Trump hush money trial

Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend each day of what could be a six-week trial, but he won’t just have his attorneys with him.

Like all former presidents, Trump will be protected by U.S. Secret Service agents. In addition, court security officials and the New York Police Department will be watching closely.

Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts related to charges he paid hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels through a lawyer and covered it up as a legal expense before being elected president.

The trial is set to start Monday with jury selection. Trump will be there and so will the U.S. Secret Service.

“The U.S. Secret Service is prepared to effectively carry out our protective mission here in New York. While operational security precludes us from going into specifics, the U.S. Secret Service will not seek any special accommodations outside of what would be required to ensure the continued safety of the former president,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick Freaney of U.S. Secret Service’s New York Field Office. “We have the utmost trust and confidence in our law enforcement partners, including the NYPD and New York State Unified Court System, and appreciate their continued dedication and professionalism.”

New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban and the New York Police Department have handled high-profile cases before. But Trump’s case will mark the first time a former U.S. president has gone on trial in a criminal case.

“Planning for high-profile security events is very familiar ground for the New York City Police Department,” Caban said. “Our longstanding relationships with each of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Secret Service and the New York State Unified Court System, will help secure the courthouse and everyone inside, facilitate peaceful assembly outside the building, and maintain the safe flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the surrounding areas for the duration of the proceedings.”

New York State Court Officers also will be on hand for the trial.

“The safety and security of all who enter our New York State courthouses is paramount,” New York State Unified Court System Chief of Department Michael Magliano said. “The New York State Court Officers corps is highly trained and experienced in managing high-profile trials. In coordination with the U.S. Secret Service and the NYPD, we stand ready and able to protect the safety of everyone in the courthouse during this trial, maintaining a secure and safe courtroom environment in facilitating the needs of the court, the trial participants, the media, and the general public.”