UPDATE, MAY 1 (3:32 p.m.): Christie took to Twitter and made his first comments on the indictments of Wildstein, Baroni and Kelly.
Today's charges make clear that what I've said from day one is true.
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) May 1, 2015
I had no knowledge or involvement in the planning or execution of this act. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) May 1, 2015
The moment I first learned of this unacceptable behavior I took action, firing staff believed to be accountable...(cont.)
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) May 1, 2015
…calling for an outside investigation and agreeing to fully cooperate with all appropriate investigations, which I have done. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) May 1, 2015
Now 15 months later it is time to let the justice system do its job.
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) May 1, 2015
The day of reckoning is here for three of the top people involved in the Fort Lee, N.J. bridge closure that crippled the area in September of 2013.
The "Bridgegate" scandal revolves around many of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's close allies, but the governor himself, for now, is not facing any charges. Others aren't as fortunate.
The New York Times reports that David Wildstein, who was an official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at the time of the George Washington Bridge lane closures, is pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy.
Wildstein is key to the case against Chrisite, as his lawyer, Alan Zegas, has consistently said the governor knew of the lane closures on the bridge. Wildstein is a close friend of the governor's, as they have known each other since high school.
David Wildstein said he did conspire with Christie & Port Authority staffers to plan & execute the closures. Pleaded guilty to two counts. — Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 1, 2015
Christie's camp has steadfastly denied the claims that he was aware of the closures, but on Friday morning Zegas once again said "evidence exists" that ties the governor directly to the decision.
"There is a lot more that will come out," Zegas said. "Unfortunately, I am not in a position to talk about the matter in detail."
He added that even though his client was closely involved in the case, Wildstein regrets his actions.
Bill Baroni, a former co-worker of Wildstein, and Bridget Anne Kelly, Christie's former deputy chief of staff, were both indicted on nine counts. According to NJ.com, the counts include conspiracy against civil rights, deprivation of civil rights, wire fraud and conspiring to "intentionally misapply property of an organization receiving federal benefits," among others.
The whole scandal can be traced back to Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich not endorsing Christie during the governor's 2013 re-election campaign, according to CBS' timeline of events, which dates all the way back to 2010.
"Aug. 13, 2013: Bridget Kelly, then Christie's deputy chief of staff, emails Christie ally David Wildstein, director of interstate projects at the Port Authority. Kelly writes: 'Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.' Wildstein responds: 'Got it.'
Sept. 9, 2013: Instead of the usual three approach lanes to the bridge from Fort Lee, commuters find only one that morning. Four days of traffic gridlock ensues." On Friday, Wildstein admitted that choosing to close the lanes in early September, when schools are opening, was a deliberate choice by both parties.
