New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) knew about the 2013 plan to close lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge, prosecutors said Monday, according to The New York Times

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Prosecutors reportedly said the New Jersey governor was aware that his close associates were involved in a scheme to shut down lanes leading to the bridge as it was happening.

The lane closures were meant to punish a local mayor who had not supported the governor, prosecutors said.

It is the first time claims have been made that Christie knew about the plan as it was happening, according to the Times.

Christie has in the past said he was not aware of the plot.

Prosecutors made the claim on Monday during opening statements in the trial of two former Christie administration officials who were charged in connection to the 2013 lane closures.

David Wildstein, the former director of interstate capital projects at the Port Authority, and Bill Baroni, former deputy executive director of the Port Authority, had reportedly bragged to Christie about the lane closures, prosecutors from the U.S. attorney's office said, the newspaper reported.

They told the New Jersey governor the closures were meant to "mess" with the mayor of Fort Lee, who declined to endorse the governor during his reelection campaign.