The arraignment, where Trump will hear the charges and have a chance to plead, will take place amid tight security and expected street protests. The courthouse is barricaded, and supporters and critics will be separated by the police. News outlets had lined up overnight to gain access to the courthouse.
Trump has drawn tens of thousands of supporters to rallies across the country, but it is unclear how many will travel to his heavily Democratic hometown, where automobile travel is difficult. His arrival was announced on social media, where he wrote, “We have to take back our Country and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” The arraignment is scheduled for 2:15 pm on Tuesday. Joseph Tacopina, one of Trump’s lawyers, stated on ABC that it would not be a long day in court. The specific charges reached by a grand jury are due to be disclosed on Tuesday.
Yahoo News has reported that Trump will face 34 felony counts for falsification of business records. Legal experts have stated that any trial is at least more than a year away. An indictment or conviction does not legally prevent Trump from running for president.
Judge Juan Merchan has ruled that five photographers will be admitted before the arraignment starts to take pictures for several minutes, despite Trump’s lawyers urging him to keep them out, arguing they would worsen “an already almost circus-like atmosphere.”
District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, who led the investigation, will give a news conference after the arraignment. Trump and his allies have portrayed the case as politically motivated. Trump will return to Florida and deliver remarks from his Mar-a-Lago resort at 8:15 pm on Tuesday.
Mayor Eric Adams has warned potential rabble-rousers to behave and stated that New York City is their home, not a playground for misplaced anger. President Joe Biden has faith in the New York police and said that the case has divided people in New York, where Trump’s name is emblazoned on buildings related to his business ventures.
Outside Trump Tower, New Jersey resident Robert Hoatson stated that it was a terrific day and hoped that Trump would be eventually found guilty. Susan Miller said she hoped the show of support would “give him a little strength” and that he is honest as the day is long.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday, conducted after news broke that he would face criminal charges, Trump’s lead has widened over rivals in the Republican Party’s presidential nominating contest. Some 48% of Republicans say they want Trump to be their party’s presidential nominee, up from 44% last month. Second-place Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, fell from 30% to around 19%.