A small fire incident at the lower Manhattan courthouse, which occurred just hours after the conclusion of a civil fraud trial against Donald Trump, led to the evacuation of the building, including New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron. Justice Engoron, who presided over the trial where Trump was found liable for real estate fraud, had previously implemented gag orders to protect his staff from potential threats, particularly from Trump supporters.
Despite these measures, Trump has consistently contested these gag orders and has targeted Justice Engoron’s law clerk during periods when the orders were temporarily lifted. The situation intensified with the fire outbreak, prompting an emergency evacuation.
As reported by Business Insider on December 13, 2023, the fire started on the same floor as the courtroom when an individual set paper ablaze and used several fire extinguishers. Justice Engoron, who was in his robing room, was safely evacuated without any direct personal threat against him at the time.
Two courthouse officials disclosed that an unidentified individual, not employed by the courthouse, was responsible for starting the fire and using the fire extinguishers, leading to his arrest.
The swift response from fire and police departments ensured the safety of the judge and other employees on the fourth floor, who were able to collect their belongings before leaving for the day. The report confirms there were no injuries resulting from the evacuation.
The motive behind the arson remains unclear, adding an element of uncertainty to an already contentious legal battle involving Trump. This incident at the courthouse has added complexity to the civil fraud trial, raising questions about the motive and increasing scrutiny of the case.
This event highlights the ongoing tensions in legal cases involving high-profile figures like the former president, underscoring the challenges in maintaining both justice and security in such trials. The repercussions of this incident are likely to influence the course of the legal proceedings, heightening concerns about its impact on the judicial process.