A supporter of former US president Donald Trump argues with opponents outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office in New York City on April 4, 2023. LEONARDO MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images
NEW YORK—Ahead of former President Donald Trump’s scheduled arraignment in Manhattan on Tuesday, both pro- and anti-Trump protesters amassed outside the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
As of midday on Tuesday, there were sporadic reports of physical confrontations between the two groups of demonstrators. In one instance, a woman who appeared to be a Trump supporter walked across a large banner that read, “TRUMP LIES ALL THE TIME.” Footage showed the woman attempting to grab the flag before she fell onto the ground.
So far, the New York City Police Department has not indicated whether there were any arrests Tuesday.
A Trump supporter (L) removes a banner from anti-Trump protesters outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on April 04, 2023 in New York City. Kena Betancur/Getty Images
A Trump supporter removes a banner from anti-Trump protesters outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse in New York City on April 4, 2023. Kena Betancur/Getty Images
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is reportedly investigating Trump for alleged hush-money payments made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, during the 2016 campaign. Trump has denied any wrongdoing in the case.
Late last week, a Manhattan grand jury indicted him on yet-to-be-disclosed charges. The indictment in the case hasn’t been unsealed yet.
Opponents of former US President Donald Trump protest outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office in New York City on April 4, 2023. Leonardo Munoz/AFP via Getty Images
But Trump’s lawyers, in interviews with the media, have indicated they will file motions to dismiss the case after his arraignment. It’s not clear whether Trump will be handcuffed or subject to having his mug shot taken.
The former president said he would give a speech after his arraignment. When he returns to Mar-a-Lago, the former president will make a televised address at 8:15 p.m. ET, according to campaign spokesman and adviser Jason Miller.
A Trump supporter hands out whistles to Trump supporters in New York on April 4, 2023. Eva Fu/The Epoch Times
A protester displays a "Trump 4 Prison" sign outside the New York courthouse where former President Donald Trump will be arraigned on April 4, 2023. Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times
Several House lawmakers, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), George Santos (R-N.Y.), and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y), appeared outside the courthouse on Tuesday amid the protest during which Greene made a brief speech.
“New York Public Advocate Jumaane Williams was one of Mayor Adam’s thugs blowing a whistle at me in the park today across from the courthouse while I peacefully protested and used my free speech rights to protest the weaponization of government and persecution of President Trump,” she wrote on Twitter. “The Democrat Party and Democrats in government are Antifa.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) speaks outside Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on the day of former President Donald Trump's planned court appearance on April 4, 2023. Reuters/Caitlin Ochs
Protesters outside the New York County Supreme Court ahead of former President Donald Trump's arraignment on April 4, 2023. Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times
Protesters outside the New York County Supreme Court ahead of former President Donald Trump's arraignment on April 4, 2023. Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times
Also on Tuesday, Trump suggested on Truth Social that he'll attempt to change the venue from Manhattan to Staten Island, New York.
His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, said Sunday that it’s too early to make such a decision, however.
A protester carries a Trump flag in New York to protest the indictment of former President Donald Trump on April 4, 2023. Eva Fu/The Epoch Times
Protesters outside the New York County Supreme Court ahead of former President Donald Trump's arraignment on April 4, 2023. Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times
Protesters outside the New York County Supreme Court ahead of former President Donald Trump's arraignment on April 4, 2023. Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times
As of Tuesday afternoon, Trump has not left his Trump Tower residence on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan for his arraignment.
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter who covers a range of topics, including politics, U.S., and health news. A father of two, Jack grew up in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
