Chris Christie maintains his innocence as ‘Bridgegate’ trial intensifies

Chris Christie maintains his innocence as ‘Bridgegate’ trial intensifies

The New Jersey governor Chris Christie maintains innocence as his aides are charged with fraud.

Three former allies of New Jersey governor Chris Christie were indicted on fraud charges. David Weinstein, Bill Broni, and Bridget Anne Kelly were charged in connection to the Bridgegate incident.

In September 2013, the George Washington Bridge was closed at the request of Christie aides. The intentional days-long gridlock was retaliation against a Democratic mayor that wouldn’t vote for the governor during his re-election campaign.

The scandal came to light when Christie chief of staff Kelly sent an email to Port Authority official David Wildstein, saying, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee [New Jersey, where the mayor and bridge were located].”

Wildstein, a friend of Christie’s, replied: “Got it.”

“The conspirators concocted and promoted a sham story that reducing the number of lanes and tollbooths accessible to the local approach was for a traffic study,” according to the indictment.

Kelly and Port Authority deputy executive director Bill Broni have been charged with nine counts of conspiracy to commit fraud. Wildstein has already pled guilty to fraud.

Kelly denied the charges in a press conference.

“I never ordered or conspired with David Wildstein to close or realign lanes of the bridge for any reason, much less for retribution,” said Kelly.

“David Wildstein is a liar,” added Kelly.  “I will fight relentlessly to clear myself from these charges.”

Governor Christie maintained his innocence in the scandal. He insisted that he had nothing to do with the bridge closure.

“Today’s charges make clear that what I’ve said from day one is true — I had no knowledge or involvement in the planning or execution of this act,” said Christie in a statement.

“The moment I first learned of this unacceptable behavior, I took action, firing staff believed to be accountable, calling for an outside investigation and agreeing to fully cooperate with all appropriate investigations, which I have done,” added Christie.

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