Former US President Donald Trump's lawyers have formally objected to a request by media outlets, including CNN, to broadcast his arraignment in court on Tuesday. The lawyers claim that allowing video and photography during the proceedings would create a "circus-like atmosphere" and pose unique security concerns.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, Trump's attorneys argued that any video or photography of the proceedings could heighten the already significant security concerns, particularly related to Secret Service details. They maintained that allowing cameras into the courtroom would undermine the defendant's presumption of innocence and create an unfair environment for him.
The request was made by several media outlets, including CNN, which is seeking camera access for the arraignment. However, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has stated that it is deferring to the judge's discretion to decide how best to manage the proceedings, citing the need to avoid potential prejudice to the defendant and maintain order in the courtroom.
The district attorney's office noted that while there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under New York statutes and case law, the request for audio-video broadcasting was previously denied for a similar event in 2021. In that case, the judge allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken before the proceedings began.
It remains to be seen whether Judge Merchant will grant or deny the media outlets' request for camera access during Trump's arraignment on Tuesday.
In a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchant, Trump's attorneys argued that any video or photography of the proceedings could heighten the already significant security concerns, particularly related to Secret Service details. They maintained that allowing cameras into the courtroom would undermine the defendant's presumption of innocence and create an unfair environment for him.
The request was made by several media outlets, including CNN, which is seeking camera access for the arraignment. However, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has stated that it is deferring to the judge's discretion to decide how best to manage the proceedings, citing the need to avoid potential prejudice to the defendant and maintain order in the courtroom.
The district attorney's office noted that while there is no categorical prohibition on cameras during an arraignment under New York statutes and case law, the request for audio-video broadcasting was previously denied for a similar event in 2021. In that case, the judge allowed a limited number of still photographs to be taken before the proceedings began.
It remains to be seen whether Judge Merchant will grant or deny the media outlets' request for camera access during Trump's arraignment on Tuesday.
! Like, isn't that what our democracy is all about - transparency and holding public figures accountable? I mean, come on Trump has already been in the news for like forever so what's the big deal now? The security concerns are just a bunch of BS... Secret Service agents can handle themselves 
. And as for the circus-like atmosphere... let's be real, it's not like anyone's gonna get hurt or anything 
. Just give the people a chance to see their former Prez go down in court and we'll all be better off for it 
.
! I mean, security concerns? that's just code for "we don't want you taking pics of me looking guilty". can't say I blame the lawyers on this one tho, I'd want some peace & quiet in the courtroom too 
but still, it's kinda lame that they're trying to hide what's gonna happen... like we're all not already following live tweets about it 
cameras are allowed in courtrooms everywhere else so why make an exception now? security concerns yeah sure but there's always some risk involved with celebrities and politicians... can't have too many eyes on them, right? 
meanwhile, i was just thinking about how we always get cameras in school when a student is getting in trouble and now that would be the "circus-like atmosphere" they're talking about lol. but for real tho, shouldn't trump just own up to what he did and let people see? it's like if our principal tried to hide something from us and we were all like "hey, what's going on?" 
it's not even about fairness to donnie (as if anyone cares 
) but more about security lol the sec service is gonna freak out if there are cameras everywhere 
can you imagine trying to sneak a selfie during arraignment? 
let Trump have his little private moment 
