NEW YORK – Three NYPD sources say security is being tightened again as a precaution in view of possible grand jury action against former President Donald Trump over alleged secret payments to the porn actress , stormy daniels.
The development comes after senior NYPD officials told Our Sister Network on Monday that the department has rescinded its order that all officers report to duty in uniform, in the event of a potential charge or of chaos linked to the demonstrations.
Sources tell us that the FBI, law enforcement officials and the Secret Service have not yet been informed of any possible development. But the NYPD is taking extra security measures.
All this as The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the grand jury had heard evidence in a second alleged case of secret payments. This relates to alleged payments made to former Playboy model Karen McDougal. The newspaper reports that the prosecutor’s office may try to show the former president’s usual behavior. Trump denies the allegations.
This all comes after the grand jury heard from David Pecker, former CEO of American Media and editor of the National Enquirer, on Monday. This was his second appearance before a grand jury. Why did you appear before the grand jury again?
Pecker’s testimony may support former Trump lawyer and former ally Michael Cohen’s claim that the silent payments were not just personal, but also political, and aimed to contain and kill a story that may have had an impact on Trump’s election.
In 2018, American Media Inc. admitted to paying $150,000 in secret money to former Playboy model Karen McDougal and porn star Stormy Daniels. A statement of admitted facts said AMI’s “primary purpose in making the payment was to suppress the woman’s story to prevent her from influencing the election.”
Federal prosecutors previously granted immunity to Pecker in their investigation of Cohen. A week before Pecker’s last appearance, Trump ally Robert Costello, who waived immunity, attempted to discredit Cohen in front of the grand jury.
The president had told the world he expected to be arrested last Tuesday. Days later, no arrests have been made and he has no impeachment vote either. And the world is still waiting.
Authorities’ biggest concern is the possibility of potentially violent protests, similar to the attack on the US Capitol last year.
The department continues to monitor events in Lower Manhattan.
This develops news.