NYPD and Secret Service to meet TODAY for talks on 'major security undertaking' before Trump's looming arrest - as cops set up barriers around Manhattan courts

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New York police began installing barriers on Monday morning around the Manhattan court complex where Donald Trump is expected to be arrested this week, as the city braces for angry protests.

The former president announced at the weekend that he expects to be arrested this week as a grand jury prepares to hear from the final witness in an investigation into hush money paid to a porn star.

So while Trump's team spent the weekend preparing its strategy to handle the latest legal twist, Police Department officials and the mayor's top public safety aides met to discuss how to handle protests.

It comes amid online chatter suggesting armed protesters could try to prevent law enforcement officers from arresting Trump. 

The result was a ring of steel being built around the Lower Manhattan courthouse, where Trump would be arraigned. 

Michael Magliano, the chief of public safety for the courts, will meet the NYPD and Secret Service at One Police Plaza on Monday afternoon to discuss security.

'It's a major security undertaking because you don't know how many people will be there,' a source told DailyMail.com. 'We need to be prepared for anything.'

New York Police Department staff install barricades around the Lower Manhattan court complex ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment

Dennis Quirk, president of the New York State Court Officers, told DailyMail.com that officials need to discuss how to bring Trump and his lawyers into the courthouse safely, given the likelihood there will be protesters gathered outside.

‘We’re going to have to close of the street around the courthouse so somebody doesn’t put a car there with a bomb,’ he said. ‘How are you going to get Trump to the building, how are you going to get him into the building and court, how are you going to get him out safely?’ ‘There’s going to be people protesters in the street,’ he said.

He said Bragg exacerbated the problem by leaking it out last week that he was meeting with the NYPD to discuss how to handle a possible indictment.

‘By leaking this information, you’ve given these radicals time to mobilize,’ he said.

He said it would be best now for a virtual hearing to process Trump.

‘We believe this should be done virtually for everybody’s safety,’ he said. ‘There’s no reason to have a big confrontation here tomorrow or Wednesday when it takes place.’

It follows Trump's own call for protests, raising fears that his supporters could go on the rampage like they did on Jan. 6, 2021. 

On Saturday he announced on his Truth Social media platform that: 'The far and away leading Republican candidate and former president of the United States of America will be arrested on Tuesday of next week.

'Protest, take our nation back!'

He kept up a bitter stream of commentary over the weekend, railing against New York prosecutor Alvin Bragg.

Bragg's office is believed to be coming to the end of its investigation in to payments to adult movie star Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an affair with Trump — allegations he has long denied.

In an email to staff on Saturday, first reported by Politico, he sought to assure prosecutors and other members of his office that he has been working with police and court officials to ensure their safety. 

'We do not tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York,' he wrote. 'Our law enforcement partners will ensure that any specific or credible threats against the office will be fully investigated.'

At the same time, officials told the Associated Press that police were monitoring online comments about protests.

Barriers are lined up in front of the steps of the Manhattan court in preparation for Donald Trump's possible arrest on Tuesday 

Workers with the New York Police Department set up barricades outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office in New York City on March 20, 2023

Trump posed for selfies with guests at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Sunday, during the Palm Event dispay of historic cars, including vintage vehicles and racing cars

Trump dressed in navy suit with polo shirt and trademark red MAGA cap as he mingled

They include messages calling for armed protesters to prevent the former president being arrested. 

Trump tried to offer a sense of business as usual at the weekend.

On Saturday, he played in the seniors championship at his golf club in Jupiter, Florida, before flying to Oklahoma to watch the NCAA Wrestling Championship.

On Sunday, he mingled with guests at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, for a display of historic cars. 

Even so, some guests suggested his relaxed demeanour was all for show.

'I don't think he is as happy about the indictment as he makes it seem,' said one.

Supporters have already begun appearing outside Trump Tower in New York and around his Mar-a-Lago home in defense of the former president.

Trump used a social media post on Saturday to call on his supporters to protest as he claimed he expects to be arrested as early as Tuesday. Aides say they do not know the timing

Two of the former president's supporters are pictured here outside Trump Tower on Friday for New York City's St. Patrick's Day parade

The New York Young Republicans Club is holding a protest on Monday evening. 'Join us in peaceful protest of Alvin Bragg's heinous attack on President Donald J. Trump ... ' it says

They are organizing a bigger show of force on Tuesday outside Mar-a-Lago, according to social media posts.

And the New York Young Republicans Club is holding a demonstration on Monday evening.

'Join us in peaceful protest of Alvin Bragg's heinous attack on President Donald J. Trump and the legitimacy of the American judicial system,' it says in an invitation to members and supporters.

While Republicans have spoken out of support of the former president, some have suggested his words calling for protest have been misinterpreted. 

'I don't think people should protest this, no,' House Speaker Kevin McCarthy California Republican told reporters on Sunday.

'I think, President Trump, if you talk to him, he doesn't believe that either.'