In New York, state police have charged Tyler Vogel, 26, from Lancaster, with serious allegations relating to threats made against Judge Arthur Engoron and Attorney General Letitia James.
Engoron had presided over a civil fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump, leading to a substantial judgment against Trump and his company executives totaling over $464 million, a case James initiated.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, Vogel is accused of making a terroristic threat, a felony charge, directed at James.
Letitia James (Credits: Reuters)
This threat was purportedly made after Vogel found her personal information online, where he threatened death or harm unless she withdrew her legal actions against Trump. Additionally, Vogel is facing another felony charge for a similar threat against Judge Engoron, alongside two misdemeanor counts of aggravated harassment for these threats.
In the threat directed at Engoron, Vogel allegedly warned of targeting the judge if Trump faced imprisonment or had his properties confiscated as part of the legal proceedings. Vogel reportedly criticized Engoron’s actions as un-American and defended Trump’s innocence.
Details regarding Vogel’s next court appearance or his plea response remain unspecified. Requests for comments from the offices of Engoron and James were not immediately answered.
New York Attorney General Letitia James (Credits: NPR)
Engoron and James have previously encountered threats linked to their roles in the Trump civil fraud case. In February, an emergency was triggered at Engoron’s courthouse when he received an envelope containing a suspicious white powder, though he was not harmed.
Engoron’s residence was also the target of a bomb threat earlier in January. James has disclosed receiving threats against her life as well.
Former President Trump has openly criticized Engoron and James, particularly in light of the hefty judgment against him. Following a reduction in the bond amount, Trump posted a $175 million bond on Monday, lower than the initial $454 million for which he was liable.
