Security stepped up at Trump Tower, Lower Manhattan courthouse ahead of Trump arraignment
MANHATTAN, New York (WABC) -- Former President Donald Trump flew from Florida to New York on Monday ahead of his expected booking and arraignment, as the nation's largest city bolstered security and warned potential agitators that it is "not a playground for your misplaced anger."
Security has been increased in and around Manhattan since Former President Donald Trump's indictment last week and ahead of his arraignment on Tuesday.
Not since Trump was in the White House has security been so tight around Trump Tower -- a place he considered his home base for decades.
Road closures are in place, making access to Trump Tower difficult, while security is expected to stay that way until Trump has left the city.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell held a briefing on security measures being taken around the city..
"While there may be some rabble rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow, our message is clear and simple: control yourselves," said New York Mayor Eric Adams. "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."
The police commissioner echoed the mayor's sentiments.
"Violence and destruction are not part of legitimate lawful expression, and it will not be tolerated in our city," Sewell said.
After his arrival at LaGuardia Airport, Trump made his way to his penthouse at Trump Tower, where he will stay the night, and then head to court on Tuesday.
Eyewitness News Reporter Kemberly Richardson was on scene in Manhattan.
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"They will put in a very well-worn and experienced Trump Tower security plan for his stay there overnight. And in the morning, he'll go to the courthouse. That's where he's going to come to the District Attorney's office, be taken into custody with his secret service detail in tow, he will be booked," said John Miller, Former NYPD Deputy Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
The safety of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is also at the top of the list, as well as making sure any protests remain peaceful.
Last week, all 35,000 NYPD officers, regardless of rank, were required to show up in uniform.
The secret service and the FBI are also working with the NYPD. But even for the experts, there are still questions as to how the next two days will play out.
"What door will they bring him in? How will he be taken in hallways to the District Attorney's office to be booked, in their detective squad and then to an arraignment court? Will that be done in back hallways that are not accessible to the press and the public, or through public areas? Who will handle the magnetometers? A lot of logistics there," Miller said.
Authorities say there are no credible threats at this time and no word of any large organized protests, but precautions are being taken to respond as necessary.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg already received a death threat saying, "Alvin I am going to kill you!" along with a white powder, which was mailed to his officer and later deemed harmless.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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