Manhattan DA case against Trump must be ‘strong’ to warrant ‘unprecedented’ arrest, says Sen. Kelly

Following former President Donald Trump’s claims that he is preparing for his arrest this week, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, said Sunday that prosecutors must have a strong case to justify the “unprecedented” arrest. of a former president.

Kelly addressed the situation on CNN’s ‘State of the Union’, calling it ‘very important’ that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg ‘thoroughly’ look into the case before indicting Trump, adding that “no one is above the law” in the United States.

“You know, I hope if they press charges they have a strong case because it’s, like you said, it’s unprecedented,” the former astronaut said. “And, you know, there are definitely, you know, risks involved here. But again, nobody in our country is or should be above the law.”

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is reportedly preparing to issue an indictment for alleged silent money payments Trump allegedly made as a presidential candidate in 2016.

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Trump claimed on his Truth Social site on Saturday morning that he expected to be arrested on Tuesday, writing in part: “PROTEST, TAKE BACK OUR NATION!”

Local law enforcement officials are bracing for the public safety ramifications of an unprecedented lawsuit against a former US president.

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Asked if law enforcement should be concerned that Trump’s remarks could trigger deadly violence, Kelly said authorities should “watch out” for any protests that unfold.

“But the president’s supporters, they have First Amendment rights and they should be able to exercise them peacefully,” Kelly said. “I think it’s going to be important for law enforcement to pay attention to, you know, protests and make sure they don’t rise to the level of violence.”

Sen. Mark Kelly said authorities should “be careful” of any protests that unfold after Trump’s message to supporters. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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In an internal email following Trump’s statements, Bragg said law enforcement would ensure that the 1,600 people who work in his office remained safe and that “any specific or credible threat” would be made. subject of an investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.