Trump's lawyers push back against media request to broadcast former President's arraignment on live TV, citing security concerns and a "circus-like atmosphere".
The attorneys representing former US President Donald Trump have submitted a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant opposing the media outlets' request to broadcast his arraignment on Tuesday. In their arguments, they claim that granting camera access would heighten security concerns, create an unwarranted circus-like atmosphere, and compromise the defendant's right to a fair trial.
"We submit that the media request should be denied because it will create a circus-like atmosphere at the arraignment, raise unique security concerns, and is inconsistent with President Trump’s presumption of innocence," their letter states. The lawyers contend that allowing video and photography during the proceedings would only exacerbate these issues, making it essential to exclude or restrict coverage.
In response, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has stated that they are deferring to the judge's discretion in determining how best to manage the courtroom on Tuesday. However, the prosecutors acknowledge that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
Notably, a similar request for audio-video broadcasting was made for the 2021 arraignment of Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg. In this instance, Judge Merchant allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
As one of the media outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment, CNN is now waiting to hear from the judge on whether their request will be granted. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for future broadcast coverage of high-profile court proceedings in New York.
The attorneys representing former US President Donald Trump have submitted a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant opposing the media outlets' request to broadcast his arraignment on Tuesday. In their arguments, they claim that granting camera access would heighten security concerns, create an unwarranted circus-like atmosphere, and compromise the defendant's right to a fair trial.
"We submit that the media request should be denied because it will create a circus-like atmosphere at the arraignment, raise unique security concerns, and is inconsistent with President Trump’s presumption of innocence," their letter states. The lawyers contend that allowing video and photography during the proceedings would only exacerbate these issues, making it essential to exclude or restrict coverage.
In response, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has stated that they are deferring to the judge's discretion in determining how best to manage the courtroom on Tuesday. However, the prosecutors acknowledge that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under existing New York statutes and case law.
Notably, a similar request for audio-video broadcasting was made for the 2021 arraignment of Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg. In this instance, Judge Merchant allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
As one of the media outlets requesting camera access for Tuesday's arraignment, CNN is now waiting to hear from the judge on whether their request will be granted. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for future broadcast coverage of high-profile court proceedings in New York.
. Like, isn't the whole point of having a public figure like him on trial supposed to be transparent? It feels like they're trying to spin this as some kind of 'circus-like atmosphere' just to avoid scrutiny 
. And can we talk about security concerns? I mean, if it's that big of an issue, why are they worried about cameras showing up in the courtroom? 
... but at the same time, security concerns are super legit and we can't have a circus in there where people start getting all excited and stuff 
. And what about Trump's rights as a defendant? Shouldn't he have the freedom to not be hounded by cameras like some kind of zoo animal 
... but then again, isn't this whole thing kinda like a big show and we should just sit back and enjoy the drama 
? I don't know man, can't make up my mind about this one 
if they let cameras into the courtroom during Trump's arraignment! I mean, can you imagine the drama and stress it would cause 
? It's not surprising that his lawyers are pushing back on this idea 
. The whole thing sounds like a circus to me 
. Let's just hope the judge makes a wise decision and keeps everyone safe 
#JusticeForAll #NoCircusHere #FairTrialMatters
its like they dont wanna be held accountable 4 their actions!!! the thing is, whats wrong w/ a little bit of transparency? cant we just see if he's guilty or not lol?? security concerns? circus-like atmosphere? sounds like trump is trying 2 avoid accountability 
i hope judge merchant sees thru this 
meanwhile, the whole circus-like atmosphere thing is just code for "we don't want you people ruining our drama". newsflash, cameras are allowed in courtrooms, it's not like it's gonna be a disaster. let's see what the judge decides, but i got a feeling trump's lawyers are just trying to spin this as some kind of conspiracy 
... what's there to hide? 
Trump thinks he's still in a reality TV show 
He's worried about security? More like security cameras are needed to keep him from escaping his own ego 
