New York City mayor Eric Adams on Monday discouraged unruly political demonstration over the indictment of former president Trump, who is scheduled to be arraigned at the Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday.
Addressing reporters at a press briefing, Adams warned prospective protesters that disorder and lawlessness will not be tolerated by the massive NYPD deployment that will be on-scene outside the courthouse in lower Manhattan as Trump arrives to be fingerprinted and photographed Tuesday morning.
“Control yourselves. New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger. We are the safest large city in America because we respect the rule of law in New York City,” Adams said in a warning to potential protestors. “And although we have no specific threats, people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is known to spread misinformation and hate speech, says she’s coming to town. While you in town be on your best behavior. As always, we will not allow violence or vandalism of any kind. And if one is caught participating in any act of violence, they will be arrested and held accountable no matter who you are.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell told reporters that “there has been no specific, credible threats to our city at this time” related to Trump’s upcoming court appearance.
“As the mayor stated, there are no credible or specific threats to New York City at this time,” Sewell said. “New Yorkers may see an increased police presence in parts of the city and should anticipate intermittent road closures over the next few days, particularly in Manhattan. To avoid delays, I to urge everyone to use mass transit when possible.”
“Our job is to facilitate and safeguard the rights of people to express themselves and those going about their daily activities,” the police commissioner said. “But I will remind everyone that violence and destruction are not part of legitimate, lawful expression, and it will never be tolerated in our city.”
After the news of Trump’s prosecution by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg broke Thursday, all NYPD officers were ordered to report for duty in uniform the following day for deployments in case unrest erupted in the streets. Sewell noted Monday that more cops will likely be stationed throughout the city as a further precaution this week.
People familiar with the case against Trump told the Associated Press that he faces at least one felony offense surrounding the alleged hush-money payment he made to Stormy Daniels, a former porn actress, ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
On Sunday, Trump’s legal team confirmed that he will not be escorted into the courthouse in handcuffs. After his indictment, Trump urged supporters on social media to protest what he decried as the unprecedented targeting and punishment of a former president.
Trump has said he will address supporters at his Mar a Lago residence Tuesday night.