In a shocking turn of events, the judge overseeing the $370 million civil fraud trial against Donald Trump, Justice Arthur Engoron, received a bomb threat at his Long Island home just hours before closing arguments were set to begin. The threat, which came from outside of the US and likely over a VPN, warned of blowing up the house with fertilizer, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. As a precautionary measure, the Nassau County Police Department dispatched its bomb squad to the judge's home due to his high-profile status.

Despite the threat, the trial proceeded as planned at the Manhattan Supreme Court, but with enhanced security measures in place. The Office of Court Administration (OCA) confirmed that extra levels of security would be added to ensure Justice Engoron's safety. The Nassau County Police Department confirmed that they responded to a "swatting incident," but did not explicitly confirm that it was at the judge's home.

Trump's lawyers had previously requested a delay in the trial's closing arguments following the passing of Amalija Knavs, the former president's mother-in-law. However, Justice Engoron denied the request, stating that it would cause too much disruption to court staff. Trump confirmed his presence at the courthouse in a social media post, where he claimed that the judge and New York Attorney General Letitia James were working together to “screw” him.

In a further blow to Trump, Justice Engoron also blocked him from delivering his own closing remarks after his legal team refused to agree to the judge's conditions. The judge stated that Trump would have to abide by the same limits as the lawyers, but Trump's lawyer advised against accepting the limitations, deeming them unfair. Trump expressed his frustration in a social media post, stating that he would like to personally deliver the closing argument and calling the trial a "rigged unfair trial."

Despite the bomb threat and the denial of his request to speak during closing arguments, Trump attended the court session, referring to the trial as a "rigged trial" and a "disgrace." The alleged threat caused a delay in processing lawyers and media members through security queues into the courtroom. Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered, chanting and holding a banner that read "No Dictators in the USA."

Throughout the trial, security has been a concern, with threats made against court staff after Trump criticized them as politically biased. In response, Justice Engoron issued an order barring Trump from disparaging court staff and fined him $15,000 for violating the order twice.

The trial, brought forward by New York Attorney General Letitia James, seeks nearly $370 million in penalties from Trump for allegedly inflating the value of his assets to secure better loan terms. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and labeled the case a political witch hunt. The trial is just one of many legal battles Trump faces as he campaigns for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.