Street closures, extra security as protesters gather outside Trump Tower and courthouse
MANHATTAN, New York (WABC) -- Supporters and foes of former President Donald Trump gathered in a park in lower Manhattan near the courthouse where Trump was being arraigned Tuesday afternoon on criminal charges.
A small but vocal group of demonstrators from both ends of the Trump spectrum started filing into Collect Pond Park hours before he arrived.
Backers of the nation's 45th president held signs reading "Trump or Death," while adversaries countered with signs saying "Lock him up" and "IndicAted" -- a reference to how Trump misspelled indicted in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.
Trump spent the night at Trump Tower and left to make his way to Lower Manhattan for his arraignment just after 1 p.m. -- and security was expected to get even tighter.
He was escorted to the courthouse by the secret service.
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.
Mayor Eric Adams didn't mince words on Monday, saying authorities will not tolerate and violence or criminal behavior from protesters.
He said he knows the NYPD is well-prepared to shift and pivot should the need arise.
Law enforcement officials believe, based on their intelligence operations, that no large gathering of Trump supporters will materialize Tuesday. But they continue to be concerned about lone wolfs, or people who traveled by themselves or in small groups, to NYC.
Politicians like Rep. Jamaal Bowman and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams were expected at the "New York is louder than hate speech!" noise demonstration. They attempted to drown out the Rally For Trump with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. George Santos, among others.
Greene has already called on her supporters to "assault that can cause audible damage to everyone's ears including NYPD."
NYPD detectives investigated 100 threats on social media, with about 60 directed at Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.
Authorities stressed that there were no credible threats at this time, but plans are in place between the NYPD and the secret service as a precaution.
That being said -- you should expect to see more law enforcement out, especially at Trump Tower and outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan.
NYC Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell says security checkpoints could be a possibility Tuesday.
When it comes to protests, city leaders are asking everyone to stay peaceful. Mayor Adams specifically mentioned Greene, reminding her and others be on their best behavior.
"Our message is clear and simple: control yourselves. New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger," Adams said.
Sewell also offered a stern warning.
"Violence and destruction are not part of legitimate lawful expression, and it will never be tolerated in our city," Sewell said.
Road closures will happen on a rolling basis at Trump Tower and in Lower Manhattan and there could be delays so consider using mass transit Tuesday.
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