David Wildstein: Gov Christie knew about the lane closings in September 2013

The New York Times is reporting that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie knew about the lane closings when they were happening. 

The explosive allegation is coming from the attorney for David Wildstein, who orchestrated the September lane closings from inside the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In a letter from Wildstein’s attorney Alan Zegas says that Wildstein’s legal costs should be covered by the Authority because he was just an employee who got orders from the Governor’s office. In addition, the letter says “evidence exists” that show Christie was aware of the controversial lane closings. 

“It has also come to light that a person within the Christie administration communicated the Christie administration’s order that certain lanes on the George Washington Bridge were to be closed, and evidence exists as well tying Mr. Christie to having knowledge of the lane closures, during the period when the lanes were closed, contrary to what the Governor stated.”

Alan Zegas, attorney for David Wildstein

 

While asserting that the Governor knew about the lane closures at the time, Zegas’ letter does not say the Governor had prior knowledge of the plan nor that Christie himself ordered the lane closures.

Wildstein served as director of interstate capital projects for the Port Authority that controls bridges, tunnels and airports in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area. He was appointed to the job by Governor Christie but resigned in December after emails and texts showed he closed two of three access lanes on the George Washington Bridge used by Fort Lee commuters.