The FBI has launched a major investigation into a wave of menacing social media threats directed at a British judge overseeing a high-stakes civil fraud case against former US President Donald Trump.
According to a report from the Associated Press, the bureau is probing a series of vicious online posts targeting England-born Justice Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over the $250 million lawsuit brought by New York's attorney general against Mr. Trump and his organisation.
The alarming threats emerged on an online forum known for its far-right discourse, with one user posting personal details about the judge and another calling for his death. This has triggered significant alarm within US and UK security circles.
Cross-Atlantic Security Alert
The situation highlights growing concerns about the intimidation of judicial figures on both sides of the Atlantic. Justice Engoron, who was born in New York but spent his early years in England, has become the latest target in what appears to be a coordinated online campaign.
New York state court officials confirmed they're working closely with law enforcement after discovering the threatening posts, which included the judge's personal contact information and photographs of his home.
Trump's Legal Battles Intensify
The investigation comes as Mr. Trump faces multiple legal challenges, with this particular case accusing him and his company of systematically overvaluing assets to secure loans and insurance benefits. Justice Engoron has already ruled that Mr. Trump committed repeated fraud, with the ongoing trial determining penalties and resolving other allegations.
Court spokesperson Al Baker emphasised the seriousness with which they're treating the threats, stating: "We have been working with our law enforcement partners throughout. The matter is being handled appropriately."
The FBI has declined to comment specifically on the investigation, maintaining its standard policy of neither confirming nor denying ongoing probes.
