New York Judge Arthur Engoron faced a bomb threat at his home ahead of closing arguments in the civil trial against former President Donald Trump and his real estate business.
Police and bomb squad personnel responded to the residence in Nassau County, New York, according to reports by CNN and ABC News.
The court plans to enhance security measures around Judge Engoron ahead of summations, which are expected to proceed.
Mr. Trump wanted to deliver part of the defense’s argument, but Judge Engoron rejected the request after the Trump side refused to agree to conditions on what the ex-president could say.
Judge Engoron told attorneys he didn’t want Mr. Trump to impugn court staff or turn the closing argument into a campaign speech.
The arguments cap a bitter 11-week trial that featured constant sniping between Mr. Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
SEE ALSO: Trump told he can’t deliver part of closing arguments in New York trial
Mr. Trump also lashed out at Judge Engoron and his clerk.
Ms. James alleges Mr. Trump, his eldest sons and their real estate company submitted financial fraudulent statements to gain favorable terms on loans and insurance.
She seeks $370 million in damages and wants to prohibit the Trumps from doing business in New York.
Mr. Trump says he followed standard real estate practices and that banks were happy to lend to him. He also said his statements had a disclaimer on them.
He faces long odds against Judge Engoron, who will rule on the case instead of a jury.
Before the trial, the judge found some fraud occurred, handing Ms. James an early victory on one of her claims before the trial on remaining claims and potential damages.
The judge has said that parts of Mr. Trump’s submissions to lenders were blatantly false and could not be chalked up to the nuances of real estate.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.