With former President Donald Trump expected to surrender Tuesday in Lower Manhattan to a criminal indictment, Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD had a stern warning Monday for anyone wishing to protest the unprecedented arrest: “Control yourselves.”
Hizzoner laid out the warning during a City Hall press conference on April 3 less than 24 hours before Trump is expected to appear in New York County Criminal Court to answer to an indictment for a hush money scheme involving a former porn star, Stormy Daniels, with whom the Floridian and ex-Queens president allegedly had a extramarital affair.
Since initially predicting his arrest back on March 18, Trump has raged against his prosecution, calling it political, and attempted to spur his followers into protesting — using similar language to that he said in the run up to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. On Monday, Mayor Adams, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell and First Deputy Mayor Philip Banks made clear that a repeat of such American carnage would not be allowed in New York City tomorrow.
“While there may be some rabble-rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow, our message is clear and simple: Control yourselves,” hizzoner said. “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.”
Mayor Adams specifically pointed to Georgia Congress Member Marjorie Taylor Greene, the notorious conspiracy theorist known for spreading “misinformation and hate speech,” who said she would be take part in protests of Trump’s arrest in New York City.
“While you’re in town, be on your best behavior,” Adams publicly warned the Trump-loving Congress member, should she decided to fulfill her promise to protest.
The NYPD has boosted its visibility and presence, and is prepared to shift additional resources around town if warranted by events, Commissioner Sewell noted. Both the NYPD and the Adams Administration have been in close contact with the Secret Service and other federal and state law enforcement partners to ensure the city remains safe.
As for New Yorkers, both the mayor and the commissioner stressed that they should feel free to carry on with their regular activities Tuesday — but prepare for any disruptions related to the Trump surrender.
“New Yorkers may see an increased police presence in parts of the city, and should anticipate intermittent road closures over the next two days, particularly in Manhattan,” Sewell said. Travelers should expect street closures in and around Foley Square, where the court house is located, and Trump Tower, the former president’s New York residence.
Those who wish to protest the ex-president’s surrender and arrest should do so peacefully, Sewell said — reminding that the NYPD will protect the constitutional right to assemble, but will arrest anyone who causes violence or vandalism.
“Our job is to facilitate and safeguard the rights of people to express themselves and those going about their daily activities,” the commissioner noted. “But I will remind everyone that violence and destruction are not part of legitimate lawful expression, and will never be tolerated in our city.”
Anyone who causes such violence or vandalism, the mayor further warned, will be “arrested and held accountable, no matter who you are.” But he has “a lack of concern” regarding the NYPD’s ability to handle any potential unrest.
“I know how well the NYPD is able to pivot and shift based on the circumstances they are facing,” Adams said. “People stir stuff up all the time … and we are prepared. The ability to shift the resources where they are needed, I think, is extremely unique to this police department. We can manage several different things at one time.”
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