One theory is that such risks are actually magnified because Merchan actually intends on handing down a sentence involving some form of "confinement."

Ok. But before that can happen, Merchan has to deal with the USSC immunity ruling. I expect him to find that either it doesn’t apply at all, or that the potential inadmissible evidence is so minor that it would not change the verdict.

Either way, Trump will immediately appeal the ruling, which would put a stay on the sentencing. The appeal won’t be heard until long after the election, so delaying the sentencing date is immaterial.

What chaps my hide is delaying his ruling on immunity, not the sentencing.

And yes, that ruling is more than enough to raise the risks of threats to the Judge, his court staff, and all of their families. So appropriate precautions need to be in place. On the other hand, I would hope they’ve been in place for a while already. And if the FBI and/or NY isn’t already prosecuting the threat makers, shame on them.

Alas, these threats are much like any defensive position. You can stop dozens or thousands of incoming attacks, but it only takes one to get through and cause irreparable damage.

—Peter