The U.S. Capitol is reportedly increasing its security levels in preparation for the potential indictment of former President Donald Trump, which is expected to be announced on Tuesday. According to a statement released by the Sergeant at Arms on Monday night, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) are anticipating demonstration activity across the country in response to the possible indictment.
The statement noted that while law enforcement is not currently tracking any specific, credible threats against Capitol or state offices, there is potential for demonstration activity. As a result, the USCP is working with law enforcement partners to increase their presence on Capitol Hill.
The statement also listed various streets where bike racks will remain open “to allow for pedestrian transit,” and indicated that the Senate Operations Center and State Office Readiness Program are closely monitoring the situation and prepared to share important information with the Senate community as needed.
In anticipation of the potential indictment, former President Trump has spoken out against what he views as politically motivated charges. He alleges that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office have indicated that he will be arrested on Tuesday for alleged hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal.
In response to the news, Republicans have rallied around Trump, with some arguing that an arrest would constitute political abuse of power. Montana Sen. Steve Daines, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, tweeted that the Manhattan DA should focus on violent criminals in New York rather than pursuing politically motivated charges against Trump. The New York Times also reported that an indictment of Donald Trump would be no easy task for prosecutors, noting that a conviction would be “challenging” due to the untested and risky legal theory on which the case against the former president hinges.