American cities are on high alert, with authorities taking unprecedented security measures as a jury deliberates on the verdict in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump.
In a move echoing preparations for major civil unrest, the National Guard has been placed on standby in New York, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis. Security barriers are being erected around critical infrastructure and government buildings in anticipation of potential protests and demonstrations.
The trial, which has captivated the nation, centres on charges related to hush-money payments. The jury began its deliberations on Wednesday, pushing the case toward its dramatic conclusion.
The heightened security response appears to be a direct lesson learned from the January 6th Capitol riots. Law enforcement agencies are determined to prevent a repeat of the violence that shook the nation's capital, coordinating efforts to ensure public safety regardless of the trial's outcome.
Officials in New York City, where the trial is taking place, are particularly vigilant. The scene outside the courthouse remains a focal point for media and a small but persistent group of supporters and detractors of the former president.
The precise timing of the verdict remains unknown, leaving officials and the public in a state of suspended anticipation. The security measures are expected to remain in place until the verdict is delivered and any subsequent public reaction has subsided.
