Trump's lawyers oppose media request to broadcast his arraignment live, citing security concerns.
A New York judge heard arguments Monday from lawyers representing former President Donald Trump on their objections to a request by media outlets to broadcast Trump's arraignment in court on Tuesday. The Trump team argued that granting the media outlet's request would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns, including Secret Service-related issues.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, the lawyers stated that the media request should be denied because it would "heighten the serious security concerns" in the courtroom. They also pointed out that the judge has authority to control the proceedings and manage them in a way that ensures public safety.
The Trump team's attorneys said that any video or photography of the arraignment would only heighten these security concerns, and they submitted that denying the media request was necessary to prevent potential prejudice to the defendant. The lawyers also noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment in New York statutes and case law.
In contrast, the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which is prosecuting Trump, said it would defer to the judge on how best to manage the courtroom. However, they noted that excluding or restricting videography, photography, and radio coverage of the arraignment could be a defensible exercise in maintaining an orderly proceeding, ensuring public safety, and avoiding potential prejudice to the defendant.
A CNN reporter will be present at the arraignment to cover it live.
A New York judge heard arguments Monday from lawyers representing former President Donald Trump on their objections to a request by media outlets to broadcast Trump's arraignment in court on Tuesday. The Trump team argued that granting the media outlet's request would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns, including Secret Service-related issues.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, the lawyers stated that the media request should be denied because it would "heighten the serious security concerns" in the courtroom. They also pointed out that the judge has authority to control the proceedings and manage them in a way that ensures public safety.
The Trump team's attorneys said that any video or photography of the arraignment would only heighten these security concerns, and they submitted that denying the media request was necessary to prevent potential prejudice to the defendant. The lawyers also noted that there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment in New York statutes and case law.
In contrast, the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which is prosecuting Trump, said it would defer to the judge on how best to manage the courtroom. However, they noted that excluding or restricting videography, photography, and radio coverage of the arraignment could be a defensible exercise in maintaining an orderly proceeding, ensuring public safety, and avoiding potential prejudice to the defendant.
A CNN reporter will be present at the arraignment to cover it live.
think its kinda funny how trump's lawyers are all like "security concerns" 
but really they just dont wanna get caught on camera again 
, you know? and why make it a circus-like atmosphere when ppl want to see their arraignment live 
? its not like theyre gonna let a few cameras disrupt the whole thing 
anyway, cant wait to see whats going down on tuesday 
! [link to CNN live coverage](https://www.cnn.com/live)
. I mean, isn't he a public figure now? Can't he handle a little scrutiny? The idea that allowing cameras in would create some kind of "circus-like atmosphere" just doesn't hold water. It's not like the media are going to cause any trouble... they're just gonna show up and report on it 
. And let's be real, if Trump is guilty of something (and I'm not saying he is or isn't), then transparency is key 
. I mean, come on, we're talking about a former President who's been accused of some pretty serious stuff and you think broadcasting his arraignment live is gonna create a circus? Give me a break! 
It's just a way to control the narrative and keep the public from getting too much information. And what's really gonna be at risk - the Secret Service or the integrity of the proceedings? 
I mean, can't they just have a normal courtroom hearing like everyone else? It's not like he's doing anything crazy or trying to escape 
anyway it's not like we won't find out what happens through other channels lol plus think about how many ppl would wanna watch a live arraignment 
️ public service announcement, right? 
I'm still thinking back to when Obama was arraigned... didn't there even be cameras in there? 
. Maybe it's better to have it on TV or online so everyone can see how it goes down? 
!
security concerns are pretty standard when high profile figures like him are involved, but this is just a big show for the media outlets to get ratings. news at 11 anyone? 
. And what about the public's right to know what's going on in our court system? It feels like we're being kept in the dark again 
. I mean, I get it, cameras can be distracting and stuff, but come on, we're adults here! We can handle a little bit of noise and commotion 
. And honestly, I'm a bit suspicious that Trump's lawyers are trying to hide something and don't want us to see it 
about trump's arraignment...i mean come on who doesnt wanna see the guy being led away in handcuffs? 
...anyway i'm low-key hyped for this to go down live on tv 
Trump's team is being super cautious about security concerns 
. What's the real reason behind this decision? Shouldn't we be watching how our courts handle high-profile cases anyway? 
. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? A little controversy, some tension? That's just part of a functioning democracy