Andrew Allard '25
Executive Editor
Former President Donald Trump was arraigned at a court in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, April 4. Members of the public packed the courtroom in anticipation of Mr. Trump’s arrival. Outside the courtroom, some supporters of Mr. Trump protested his arrest, which they believe to be politically motivated.
Since the grand jury’s decision to indict Mr. Trump was announced last Thursday, the country has awaited the revelation of the exact charges against him. Commentators had suggested that the case would likely involve a $130,000 hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels in October 2016.
As the judge entered the courtroom, the tension was palpable. Spectators leaned forward, eyes glued to the bench, hands clutching their seats.
With one strike of her gavel, the judge broke the silence. “Donald J. Trump,” she declared, “You are charged with one count of violating Section 1152 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws.” Jaywalking.
Photo Credits: https://www.theguardian.com/us- https://gutierrezinjury.attorney/pedestrian-accidents/jaywalking-laws-in-california/ news/2020/jun/03/trump-bunker-george-floyd-protests
The courtroom erupted in gasps. Mr. Trump, flanked by two Secret Service agents, defiantly retorted, “Wrong.” Mr. Trump was released on his own recognizance. A trial date was set for April 20.
Mr. Trump later posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, suggesting that the case brought against him is a “witch hunt.” “The radical left is indicting A TOTALLY INNOCENT MAN. We are now living in a THIRD WORLD COUNTRY.” It is not clear whether Mr. Trump was informed of his right to remain silent, nor is it clear whether he is capable of exercising that right.
Shortly after the arraignment, District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr. held a press conference detailing his office’s case against Mr. Trump. During the minutes-long conference, Bragg quickly flashed what he described as “the smoking gun”: a photo of Mr. Trump crossing a busy New York street. He bragged, “Ladies and gentlemen—we got him.”
We took to the streets to talk to potential jurors in Mr. Trump’s trial. New Yorkers appeared divided on the jaywalking charges. “Are you fuckin’ serious?” said one man, before diagonally crossing 23rd Street. Another answered, “Finally, someone’s cleaning up this town,” before pulling out a knife and demanding my wallet. A third man simply shouted, “I’m walkin’ here!”
The charges against Mr. Trump may change the course of the 2024 presidential race, in which President Joe Biden is expected to make a bid for reelection. Asked to comment on the charges against Mr. Trump, a confused Mr. Biden muttered, “Who?”
At press time, Bragg was reportedly investigating a piece of gum that Mr. Trump had discarded on the sidewalk.
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