The New York court system is increasing security measures amid reported death threats to the judge handling the criminal case of former President Trump. Threats surfaced after Trump attacked Judge Juan Merchan over his handling of a previous case, despite warnings from the judge against comments that could incite violence, reports USA Today. Lucian Chalfen of the state's Unified Court System said security is a constant concern. "Over the past weeks we have continued to evaluate and assess security concerns and potential threats and have maintained an increased security presence in and around courthouses and throughout the judiciary and will adjust protocols as necessary," adding that judges have been "getting the predictable harassing and defamatory calls and emails, all of which are being assessed."
NBC News reported that "dozens of threats have recently been directed at Judge Juan Merchan and his chambers." Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and other officials continue to receive threats. Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 34 counts that revolve around hush money to an alleged former mistress. He is charged with falsifying business records in order conceal violations of campaign finance laws. In a post-arraignment speech at his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Fla., Trump called it a "fake case" that amounted to "massive election interference." Trump claimed that "I have a Trump hating judge, with a Trump hating wife and family." He has also attacked Bragg and his wife.