More police and road closures
New York prepares for Trump’s arrival
04/03/2023, 8:25 p.m
Radicals are calling for protests in New York because former US President Trump has to answer in court there. This puts the local authorities on high alert. Even the National Security Council in Washington is preparing for a possible escalation.
The police see no “specific threats” shortly before the arrival of former US President Donald Trump in New York. “Citizens of New York can expect an increased police presence in parts of the city and temporary road closures over the next two days,” said New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, referring to the indictment in the Trump case on Tuesday. “I want to remind everyone that violence and destruction are not part of legitimate, lawful expression.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams also warned potential demonstrators against becoming violent. “Although there may be some agitators who want to come to our city tomorrow, the message is clear and simple. Control yourselves,” he said. New York is not a “playground for inappropriate anger”. “As always, we will not tolerate violence or vandalism of any kind and if anyone is caught engaging in an act of violence they will be arrested and held accountable,” Adams said.
Adams referred to the radical MP and Trump loyalist Marjorie Talyor Greene, who called for protests in the metropolis on Tuesday. The White House stressed that it was monitoring the situation in New York very closely. “We will be prepared should the need arise,” said National Security Council communications director John Kirby. Violence has no place in the United States, but peaceful protest does.
Trump is expected to appear in court in New York on Tuesday. According to media reports, around 30 charges are to be brought against the 76-year-old. Trump is the first ex-president in the history of the United States to face criminal charges. For the court date in Manhattan, Trump is likely to be briefly detained so that fingerprints and police photos can be taken of him. The police in New York have prepared for protests.