Trump Team Objects to Live Broadcasting of Former President's Arraignment in New York.
Lawyers representing former US President Donald Trump have expressed their opposition to a request by media outlets to broadcast his arraignment on Tuesday, citing concerns over security and the potential for a "circus-like atmosphere".
In a letter sent to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, Trump's attorneys argued that broadcasting the arraignment live could create security risks due to Secret Service-related concerns. They pointed out that any video or photography of the proceedings would only heighten these concerns.
Todd Blanche, one of the lawyers signed on by Trump, wrote in the letter: "As Your Honor is well-aware, this case presents extraordinary security concerns... and we submit that any video or photography of the proceedings will only heighten these serious concerns."
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the media request, stating that they are deferring to the judge's discretion on how best to manage the courtroom. However, the office acknowledged that excluding videography, photography, and radio coverage might be a viable option to avoid potential prejudice to the defendant.
Interestingly, the prosecutors noted that there does not appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law. A similar request for audio-video broadcasting was made for Trump's 2021 arraignment in a tax fraud case, but the judge allowed only a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to proceedings.
The news outlets requesting camera access, including CNN, will have to wait for Judge Merchant's decision on whether to grant their requests.
Lawyers representing former US President Donald Trump have expressed their opposition to a request by media outlets to broadcast his arraignment on Tuesday, citing concerns over security and the potential for a "circus-like atmosphere".
In a letter sent to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, Trump's attorneys argued that broadcasting the arraignment live could create security risks due to Secret Service-related concerns. They pointed out that any video or photography of the proceedings would only heighten these concerns.
Todd Blanche, one of the lawyers signed on by Trump, wrote in the letter: "As Your Honor is well-aware, this case presents extraordinary security concerns... and we submit that any video or photography of the proceedings will only heighten these serious concerns."
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the media request, stating that they are deferring to the judge's discretion on how best to manage the courtroom. However, the office acknowledged that excluding videography, photography, and radio coverage might be a viable option to avoid potential prejudice to the defendant.
Interestingly, the prosecutors noted that there does not appear to be a categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law. A similar request for audio-video broadcasting was made for Trump's 2021 arraignment in a tax fraud case, but the judge allowed only a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to proceedings.
The news outlets requesting camera access, including CNN, will have to wait for Judge Merchant's decision on whether to grant their requests.
I mean, come on... live broadcast? That's just crazy talk! 
Back in my day, we didn't need all that drama and attention to a courthouse arraignment. It was serious business, no flashbulbs or social media frenzy involved. And now, Trump's team is all about security risks? Gimme a break! 
I get it, safety first and all, but what's the big deal about cameras or video? It's just a simple court proceeding... right? 
. and as for the "circus-like atmosphere" comment, tbh it sounds kinda ridiculous to me... it's not like they're trying to make an event out of it. but hey, i guess some ppl might get freaked out if there are cameras in the courtroom 
. can't say i agree with trump's team on this one tho 
, why can't we see our leaders being arraigned on live TV? I mean, I guess it's understandable about security but come on, can't they just take some precautions? My friends in the drama club are super into live performances and I'm sure they'd be all like "yaaas, let's do this!" 
? Wouldn't that make it hard 4 the Secret Service 2 do their job 
? And wouldn't it be kinda weird 4 ppl 2 watch a former president get arraigned on live TV