Trump's lawyers urge judge to deny media request for live broadcast of his arraignment, citing security concerns and a desire to avoid "circus-like atmosphere."
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, lawyers for former President Donald Trump told the court that they oppose a request by media outlets to broadcast Trump's arraignment on Tuesday. They argue that allowing cameras into the courtroom would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns.
The Trump team also claims that broadcasting the arraignment live would be inconsistent with President Trump's presumption of innocence, adding that any video or photography of the proceedings could only heighten these serious concerns.
Their letter, which includes several lawyers signing off on it, was submitted to the court just hours after CNN, among other outlets, requested camera access for the arraignment.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the media request, saying that they will defer to the judge to decide how best to manage his courtroom. However, 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.
In contrast, when asked for comment on a similar request for audio-video broadcasting in 2021, Judge Juan Merchant had allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, lawyers for former President Donald Trump told the court that they oppose a request by media outlets to broadcast Trump's arraignment on Tuesday. They argue that allowing cameras into the courtroom would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and raise unique security concerns.
The Trump team also claims that broadcasting the arraignment live would be inconsistent with President Trump's presumption of innocence, adding that any video or photography of the proceedings could only heighten these serious concerns.
Their letter, which includes several lawyers signing off on it, was submitted to the court just hours after CNN, among other outlets, requested camera access for the arraignment.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has also responded to the media request, saying that they will defer to the judge to decide how best to manage his courtroom. However, 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.
In contrast, when asked for comment on a similar request for audio-video broadcasting in 2021, Judge Juan Merchant had allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken prior to the commencement of proceedings.
I don't get why Trump's team is being so super cautious about live broadcasting his arraignment. Like, what's gonna happen if someone gets hurt or something? Is it really worth hiding it from the public? 
And what's with the "circus-like atmosphere" thing? It sounds like they're just trying to control the narrative and make themselves look bad. I mean, if Trump is innocent, why not let everyone see him get arraigned? Maybe it'll show he's taking responsibility for his actions. 
The public deserves some transparency here.
like who needs security concerns though? its all about keeping it drama-filled... or is that what trump's team wants us to think? 
i mean can't they just let us see how the other half lives? like, in a courtroom setting. and whats with the "circus-like atmosphere" thing? are they worried we'll all start doing the cha cha slide during testimony? 
seriously though, isnt it cool that we get to see trump's arraignment live on tv? ill be glued to my screen 
Anyway, I guess it's not up to the public to decide how much they want to know about their democracy in action... or lack thereof... 
. Can't we just let Trump get arraigned without all the drama? Like, it's not a presidential debate or a fashion show on catwalk 
. It's just a simple court thingy. And what's with the "circus-like atmosphere" excuse? Is that even a real thing? 
I'm pretty sure the only circus is happening in Trump's head 
. Can we just have some transparency and let the people see their former President get booked like everyone else? It's not like he's above the law or anything 
.
. I'll be keeping an eye on this situation, for sure...
. and btw, if there's nothing in the law against cameras, why did they get to make all these rules just now? seems kinda arbitrary...
I'm all for keeping things respectful and orderly in court, but live broadcasting it seems like a reasonable request to me. Maybe they're just trying to control the narrative? 
