What New Yorkers should know about Trump’s arraignment in NYC
Photo by Ajay Suresh on Wikimedia
For the first time in history, a president of the United States has been charged with a crime. After arriving in Manhattan on Monday night, former President Donald Trump will travel from Trump Tower in Midtown to the office of the Manhattan district attorney to surrender to authorities and be arraigned at a Lower Manhattan courthouse. Swarms of media personnel and protestors are expected to line up to witness the historic event. Here’s what New Yorkers should know about how New York City has prepared for Tuesday, including possible street closures and other security plans.
While exact charges have still not been revealed, they are likely linked to a hush money payment made during the 2016 election to Stormy Daniels, a porn star who claims she had a sexual relationship with the former president in 2006. According to the New York Times, there are more than two dozen counts in the indictment, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
Although it is standard for defendants arrested on felony changes to be handcuffed, it’s unclear whether Trump will be exempt as a former president. New York is one of two states that does not allow cameras in courtrooms, preventing the public from witnessing the arraignment.
While the NYPD has yet to release a public list of road closures due to security concerns, there will be rolling intermittent closures as Trump travels downtown to be arraigned, according to city officials.
“There is one area close to Trump Tower that will have a road that is closed to facilitate his transport. Beyond that, there will be rolling road closures intermittently through the city,” Keechant L. Sewell, NYPD Commissioner, said during a press conference on Monday.
“We’re trying to have a minimal amount of intrusions to city life.”
While it hasn’t been confirmed by the city, a source familiar with the situation told Bloomberg that several streets surrounding the Manhattan courthouse, including Centre Street and Baxter Street, are expected to be closed to traffic.
Additional closures will include adjacent streets like Worth and Canal Streets, according to Bloomberg.
Law enforcement officials have not identified any major threats to the city as of yet, but they have already bolstered security around the courthouse and Trump Tower. Barricades have already been set up for several blocks surrounding the building as of Sunday, according to the New York Times.
The city is prepared for potential protests around the courthouse and has made clear that any New Yorkers or visitors who are planning on conducting mischief will face consequences.
“New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger. We are the safest large city in America because we respect the rule of law in New York City,” Mayor Eric Adams said on Monday.
“And although we have no specific threats, people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is known to spread misinformation and hate speech, she has stated she is coming to town. While you are in town, be on your best behavior.”
“We will not allow violence or vandalism of any kind, and if one is caught participating in any act of violence they will be arrested and held accountable no matter who you are,” Adams added.
Traveling via public transportation is recommended as there will be more traffic than usual.
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