On eve of ‘bridgegate’ trial, taking stock of what’s known, what’s not about Gov. Christie’s involvement

WNYC’s Matt Katz sits down with NewsWorks Tonight host Dave Heller to discuss the trial, which begins with jury selection Thursday.

It’s been almost three years to the day that traffic came to a standstill in Fort Lee, New Jersey leading to the George Washington Bridge. The incident now known to many as “Bridgegate” is in front of a federal judge as each side fights over what evidence should be included in the trial. WNYC’s Matt Katz sits down with NewsWorks Tonight host Dave Heller to discuss the trial, which begins with jury selection Thursday.

Bill Baroni and Bridget Anne Kelly are on trial for closing the GWB, the busiest bridge in the world, but all roads lead back to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. According to Katz, new evidence shows that Christie’s initial statement that, “I’ve spoken to everybody on my staff, and no one knows anything about this,” may not be true.  An e-mail emerged recently that claims that the governor “flat out lied” when he made that assertion. 

In addition to that, Christie also “had a cellphone, a personal cellphone that he never turned over to federal authorities”, said Katz. That cell phone was given to his personal attorneys and as of now it’s still unclear where it is. 

Opening statements begin Monday September 19th, the trial is expected to last six weeks.