Trump's lawyers object to live broadcast of his arraignment, citing security concerns and a need to maintain a "circus-like atmosphere."
In a letter submitted to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant on Monday, Trump's attorneys argued that the media request for live broadcasting of the former president's arraignment on Tuesday would create an unacceptable security risk. The lawyers claimed that allowing cameras into the courtroom could heighten concerns related to Secret Service protection and put everyone involved at risk.
The team, which includes lawyer Todd Blanche, stated that they oppose the request because it could create a chaotic atmosphere during the proceeding and undermine President Trump's right to a fair trial. They also argued that broadcasting live coverage would compromise his presumption of innocence.
However, in their response, Manhattan District Attorney's office acknowledged that while they support the media outlets' request, they will leave the decision up to the judge. The prosecutors noted that there is no blanket ban on cameras during an arraignment under New York law and case precedents.
The DA's office suggested that excluding or restricting videography and photography could be a reasonable exercise of the court's discretion, but did not explicitly oppose the media request. Instead, they pointed out that in 2021, the judge allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken before proceedings began during the tax fraud case against Trump Organization.
It is worth noting that CNN is among the outlets requesting access for camera coverage at Tuesday's arraignment.
In a letter submitted to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant on Monday, Trump's attorneys argued that the media request for live broadcasting of the former president's arraignment on Tuesday would create an unacceptable security risk. The lawyers claimed that allowing cameras into the courtroom could heighten concerns related to Secret Service protection and put everyone involved at risk.
The team, which includes lawyer Todd Blanche, stated that they oppose the request because it could create a chaotic atmosphere during the proceeding and undermine President Trump's right to a fair trial. They also argued that broadcasting live coverage would compromise his presumption of innocence.
However, in their response, Manhattan District Attorney's office acknowledged that while they support the media outlets' request, they will leave the decision up to the judge. The prosecutors noted that there is no blanket ban on cameras during an arraignment under New York law and case precedents.
The DA's office suggested that excluding or restricting videography and photography could be a reasonable exercise of the court's discretion, but did not explicitly oppose the media request. Instead, they pointed out that in 2021, the judge allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken before proceedings began during the tax fraud case against Trump Organization.
It is worth noting that CNN is among the outlets requesting access for camera coverage at Tuesday's arraignment.
I'm a bit surprised that Trump's lawyers are objecting to live broadcast of his arraignment, considering how much attention he's been giving to sensationalizing court proceedings himself 
. It seems like they're more concerned about maintaining the drama than ensuring a fair trial for everyone involved 
. The idea of a "circus-like atmosphere" is quite amusing, but it's not exactly what we want in a courtroom setting 
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. And what's with all these lawyers arguing over their rights? Can't we just focus on getting justice served?! The DA's office is being kinda vague, but I guess that's how politics works, right? 
i mean come on, it's not like he's gonna make a break for it or something. but seriously, can't they just let the people see this? we deserve to know what's going down. and btw, shouldn't the public have access to their leader's arraignment? seems kinda sketchy that trump gets special treatment 
On one hand, I get where Trump's lawyers are coming from - security is key and all that. But on the other hand, isn't this arraignment kinda public record material now that he's been charged with something? Shouldn't we be able to watch it go down live like normal citizens? 
I mean, come on, security concerns and "circus-like atmosphere" are just cop-outs! The DA's office is basically saying that they'll allow cameras in but will play dumb when asked about it, like they're trying to pull a fast one or something 
. And what's with the secrecy surrounding Trump's arraignment? Is he hiding something?! 
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it's an arraignment, not a circus performance! 
security risks or not, live broadcast is a big deal and would let us all see how our justice system works first hand. i mean, we're paying attention to this stuff because we care about what happens in our country. news outlets have been covering trump's whole saga for years, so it's time someone lets the public in on the proceedings. plus, a fair trial should be transparent, right? 
, and what about trump's face? is he prepared to deal with all those cameras staring at him right in his eyes? 
and security concerns? who doesn't know how to handle a little paparazzi around here? 
it's not like they'll let us see his face or anything, lol. i mean come on, judge juan merchant should just allow some cameras in there already! fairness is all about transparency and if trump can't handle a little bit of scrutiny then maybe he shouldn't be arraigned in the first place 
. The security thing is legit tho, can't have cameras everywhere putting everyone at risk 
. And let's not forget, this is about justice, not some twisted game of cat and mouse 
), it's kinda sad that everyone's so focused on his arraignment 
. I mean, come on, live broadcasting is not gonna make things more complicated, it's just gonna give us all the truth we need 
. I'm calling it now, live broadcast is gonna happen and we're all gonna see what really goes down