Federal prosecutors argued Monday that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was made aware after-the-fact of his office’s plan to shut down the George Washington Bridge as a revenge move for Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich’s not supporting the Republican’s reelection bid.
The prosecution’s claim during opening arguments was the first time government officials have alleged in court the governor was aware of the plot, even in the days following the incident when he denied it.
Two former aides to the GOP governor are being prosecuted for their alleged roles in creating gridlock on the bridge for four days, a scandal that later gained the name Bridgegate.
“The evidence will show that . . . they bragged about the fact that there were traffic problems in Fort Lee and that Mayor Sokolich was not getting his calls returned,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna said. The prosecution said Christie was informed about the plan during a 9/11 ceremony a few days following the start of the backup.
Former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, William E. Baroni Jr., and Christie’s former deputy chief of staff for legislative and intergovernmental affairs, Bridget Kelly, are being tried for overseeing a plan to shut down traffic crossing the bridge.
Former Port Authority executive David Wildstein, who has taken a plea deal and is expected to testify against his alleged accomplices, is also believed to have helped orchestrate the gridlock.
