Trump's lawyers push back against media request to broadcast former president's arraignment.
In a move that has sparked debate about free speech and security concerns, lawyers for Donald Trump told a New York judge on Monday that they oppose the request by media outlets to broadcast his arraignment in court. The decision comes as Trump faces charges stemming from his business dealings, with the Manhattan District Attorney's office seeking to restrict access to the proceedings.
According to sources close to the case, Trump's attorneys argue that broadcasting his arraignment would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns, citing potential threats from Secret Service-related concerns. They claim that allowing cameras and video footage into the courtroom could heighten these serious concerns and compromise the safety of all parties involved.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office also responded to the media request, stating that they would defer to the judge's decision on how best to manage the court proceedings. However, their response left room for interpretation, with one lawyer suggesting that it would be a "defensible exercise" to exclude or restrict access to videography, photography, and radio coverage.
Critics argue that these restrictions could be seen as an overreach by the government, while others see them as a necessary measure to prevent potential prejudice to Trump's case. The decision now rests with New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, who will ultimately decide whether or not to allow media access to the arraignment.
In a move that has sparked debate about free speech and security concerns, lawyers for Donald Trump told a New York judge on Monday that they oppose the request by media outlets to broadcast his arraignment in court. The decision comes as Trump faces charges stemming from his business dealings, with the Manhattan District Attorney's office seeking to restrict access to the proceedings.
According to sources close to the case, Trump's attorneys argue that broadcasting his arraignment would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns, citing potential threats from Secret Service-related concerns. They claim that allowing cameras and video footage into the courtroom could heighten these serious concerns and compromise the safety of all parties involved.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office also responded to the media request, stating that they would defer to the judge's decision on how best to manage the court proceedings. However, their response left room for interpretation, with one lawyer suggesting that it would be a "defensible exercise" to exclude or restrict access to videography, photography, and radio coverage.
Critics argue that these restrictions could be seen as an overreach by the government, while others see them as a necessary measure to prevent potential prejudice to Trump's case. The decision now rests with New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, who will ultimately decide whether or not to allow media access to the arraignment.