Chris Christie Knew All About Bridgegate While It Was Happening, Prosecutors Say

Gov. Chris Christie knew all about Bridgegate while the political payback scheme was happening — and he knew why it was being done, according to prosecutors speaking at the trial on Monday.

Christie knew that his associates were involved in a plan to shut down lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge, according to a New York Times account of the trial, and that the closings were intended to punish the Fort Lee mayor for declining to support his 2013 re-election bid.

It was the first time Christie has been accused by law enforcement officers of knowing about the scheme as it unfolded. Other reporters covering the trial made note of the new development:

The trial involving two alleged Bridgegate conspirators who were indicted in connection with the scandal began Monday, and it's supposed to last as long as a month.

The two indicted were Bridget Anne Kelly, the governor’s former deputy chief of staff, and Bill Baroni, the top Christie executive appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

David Wildstein, the Christie-appointed Port Authority official also behind Bridgegate, has pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy.

Long-time Christie confidant David Samson, who some believed had a role in the Bridgegate scheme but was never charged for it, pleaded guilty in July to demanding a bribe while he was chairman of the Port Authority.

Christie, who has repeatedly denied being involved in the scheme, recently told NBC that he believes the scandal impacted his chances of becoming Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate. Christie also made a failed attempt at running for president earlier this year.

Patch file photo