New York prosecutors inside Manhattan Criminal Court during Donald Trump‘s arraignment told Judge Juan Merchan of the ex-president’s recent social media posts and rhetoric, including a post that appeared to show an image of the ex-president swinging a baseball bat next to an image of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Judge Merchan “warned both sides,” CNN reports, “but particularly speaking to former President Trump not to make any statements that would incite any violence or threats against any officials.”
Prosecutors did not ask for a gag order, but the District Attorney “is seeking to enter a protective order by consent that would bind Trump,” Law & Crime’s Adam Klasfeld reports. He adds that Judge Merchan did say, “We’re not close to a gag order.”
An NBC News producer (video below) reported: “The prosecutor went on to say that Mr. Trump has made recent threatening emails and speeches, both directed at New York City, the courts hear in New York, the justice system, and the district attorney’s office. He said these are irresponsible social media posts that threaten death and destruction and even World War III. He said that these public statements to the district attorney which included a photo of him swinging a baseball bat towards the district attorney’s head, was very concerning. They’re concerned about this and what effect it will have on potential jurors and witnesses. But they said that this will not dissuade the office and they’re seeking a protective order regarding discovery materials.”
Just hours before the judge warned prosecutors and the ex-president, Donald Trump Jr. posted to social media a link to an article from the far-right website Breitbart that features a photo of Judge Merchan’s daughter.
Former top FBI official Peter Strzok, responding to the MSNBC report, noted: “Don Jr posting pictures of the Judge’s daughter on social media just now ain’t gonna help…”