Addresses and Phone Numbers of Michael Cohen's Family Posted Online Following Trump's Conviction

WASHINGTON — The addresses and phone numbers of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen's family members were posted on a doxing website after former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in connection with a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election.

Cohen, Trump's former "fixer," played a pivotal role in the plot to keep adult film actress Stormy Daniels quiet during the 2016 election and testified against Trump at trial. According to Cohen, Trump believed that the revelation of Daniels' story of a prior affair would be a "total disaster" and "catastrophic" for his 2016 campaign.

Trump has denied the affair but was convicted of falsifying business records related to Cohen's hush money payment to keep Daniels from telling her story. "What I was doing was at the direction of and for the benefit of Mr. Trump," Cohen, who served time in prison, said at trial.

Phone numbers and addresses for Cohen's wife and children were posted early Monday morning on a site that has been used to target other figures involved in Trump’s various legal issues, according to Advance Democracy, a non-profit research group.

Background on the Conviction

The conviction stems from the 2016 election, during which Cohen orchestrated a payment to Daniels to prevent her from disclosing her alleged affair with Trump. This payment was intended to influence the outcome of the election by suppressing potentially damaging information. Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records to cover up the payment, which violated campaign finance laws.

Cohen, once a close confidant of Trump, turned against him and provided key testimony that helped secure the conviction. He detailed how the hush money payment was arranged and emphasized that it was done at Trump's behest.

The Doxing Incident

The doxing of Cohen's family is part of a broader trend of harassment faced by individuals involved in legal actions against Trump. Phone numbers and addresses for Cohen’s wife and children were posted on a notorious doxing site, early Monday morning. This site has previously been used to target other individuals connected to Trump’s legal troubles.

“What sad times we are living through when people resort to this type of doxxing stupidity to redress their grievances,” Cohen said in a statement to NBC News about the attempts to spread his family's personal information.

Targeting of Legal Figures and Their Families

Trump supporters attempted to dox jurors last week after the former president's conviction. They also targeted prosecutors and the judge in the case with threats. This tactic of harassment extends beyond just those directly involved in the legal proceedings. During the trial, the mother of a former police officer who was nearly killed on January 6, 2021, by rioters who believed Trump's false claims about the 2020 election, was swatted after her son publicly criticized Trump.

Response from Advance Democracy

Advance Democracy, the research group that discovered the doxing, is actively monitoring for threats and instigations of political violence. "Our researchers are regularly scanning for potential threats and instigations of political violence," Daniel J. Jones, the President of Advance Democracy, said in a statement. "During our most recent scan, we identified personal details online — doxxing— for Michael Cohen, his wife, and his children. The individual who shared the information online, on a site known for doxxing, likely had an intent to harm Cohen— providing these personal details on the Cohen family in

the context of calling Cohen a 'lying bastard' and identifying him as someone who 'betrayed Trump,' presumably for testifying for the prosecution in former President Trump’s NY criminal trial."

Implications and Further Developments

The doxing incident highlights the dangerous climate of political harassment and intimidation surrounding high-profile legal cases. It underscores the risks faced by individuals who come forward with testimony in politically charged trials. As legal proceedings against Trump and his associates continue, the safety and privacy of witnesses and their families remain a critical concern.

The broader implications of such targeted harassment are significant. It raises questions about the protection of individuals involved in the judicial process and the measures needed to safeguard them from retribution. This incident is likely to prompt discussions on enhancing security protocols and legal protections for witnesses and their families in high-profile cases.

Moreover, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of political polarization and the lengths to which some individuals will go to intimidate and silence those involved in the legal process. The public disclosure of personal information not only endangers the individuals targeted but also undermines the integrity of the judicial system.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Doxing, or the public release of private information with malicious intent, is a serious issue that poses significant ethical and legal challenges. It can lead to harassment, threats, and even physical harm. Legal experts argue that stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms are necessary to combat doxing and protect individuals' privacy and safety.

In the case of Michael Cohen and his family, the doxing incident adds another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes legal battle. It highlights the need for legal reforms that address the growing problem of online harassment and the protection of those involved in legal proceedings.

Broader Impact on Legal and Political Landscape

The doxing of Cohen’s family also reflects the broader impact of Trump’s legal troubles on the political and social landscape. It exemplifies how deeply polarized the country has become and the extent to which supporters of political figures are willing to go to defend their interests.

As Trump continues to face legal challenges, similar incidents of harassment and intimidation may become more common, further complicating the judicial process. The legal community, lawmakers, and law enforcement agencies must work together to develop strategies to protect individuals involved in these high-profile cases and ensure the integrity of the judicial system.

Moving Forward

The recent events surrounding Michael Cohen and his family serve as a wake-up call for the need to address the dangers of doxing and political harassment. It is essential to create a safer environment for individuals involved in the legal process, free from the fear of retaliation and harm.

As discussions on enhancing security measures and legal protections continue, it is crucial for society to recognize the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of their involvement in politically sensitive cases. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to mitigate the risks associated with doxing and ensure a fair and just legal system for everyone.