Boiling Point: Tensions High in US as Trump's Indictment Mulled by Grand Jury

Over the weekend, ex-President Trump shared on his social media platform Truth Social that he expected to be arrested on March 21. But any actions against the '45' were delayed until Thursday as the grand jury still weighs a possible indictment.

Trump's possible arrest may be connected to a case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The case linked to an alleged illegal payment by Trump to adult movie star Stormy Daniels in 2016 in a bid to prevent her from disclosing their 2006 sexual affair. Trump has dismissed his connection to Daniels, as well as any other felony on his part.

Trump has accused Bragg of receiving money from financial speculator George Soros and having close ties to the Hillary Clinton campaign. Republican lawmakers have also requested that Bragg provide testimony on the case, which they claim is politically motivated.

Trump called for protests in response to his potential arrest.

While the Republicans, Democrats, experts and analysts are locking horns on how this situation may affect the 2024 election campaign, US cities and their administrations are bracing for possible protests.

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© AFP 2023 / Andrew Caballero-Reynolds

Alina Habba, a lawyer for former US President Donald Trump, speaks on the phone inside Trump Tower in New York City

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© AP Photo / Eduardo Munoz Alvarez

On Tuesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that authorities have been monitoring social media regarding the Trump case and that the NYPD were on the lookout for illegal actions

Above: New York Police officers wait for instructions around the courthouse.

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© AP Photo / Seth Wenig

Barricades are unloaded from a truck near the courts in New York.

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© AFP 2023 / Leonardo Munoz

Anti-Trump demonstrators hold placards outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office in New York City.

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© AP Photo / Mariam Zuhaib

The United States Capitol Police has also elevated security preparations for protests that may take place in Washington ahead of a possible indictment of the ex-POTUS.

Above: Security fencing placed around the US Capitol.

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© AFP 2023 / Timothy A. Clary

A member of the New York Young Republicans and the Long Island Loud Majority standing outside the offices of Alvin L. Bragg

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© AP Photo / Lynne Sladky

Some police intelligence officers have suggested that mass protests may take place near Trump's residence at Mar-a-Lago and in New York City, rather than in front of the US Capitol.

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© AFP 2023 / Timothy A. Clary

Meanwhile, Trump has reportedly told his advisers that is ready to turn his potential court appearance into a “spectacle” with his hands cuffed behind his back in symbolic defiance of a prosecution against him.

Above: Members of the New York Young Republicans and the Long Island Loud Majority hold a rally for Donald Trump, outside the offices of Alvin L. Bragg.

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© AP Photo / Bryan Woolston

New York City sanitation workers remove trash cans from the street ahead of a possible announcement of a criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump on Monday.

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© AP Photo / Eduardo Munoz Alvarez

A woman holds up a poster as part of a protest in front of the courthouse ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment.

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© AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite

Workers install security panels on the east side of the Capitol in Washington.

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© AP Photo / Ted Shaffrey

A performer wearing a diaper and a Trump mask crawls into the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City.

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© AFP 2023 / Giorgio Viera

Supporters of former US President Donald Trump protest near Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida.

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© AFP 2023 / Brendan Smialowski

A US Capitol police officer looks on as a person rides a bicycle past barricades and a security camera at the US Capitol in Washington, DC.

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© AP Photo / Bryan Woolston

A supporter of former President Donald Trump exits Trump Tower. The man came to show his support for the former president and his opposition of District Attorney Alvin Bragg's attempt to have Trump indicted.