Extract from ABC News
The two blocks that make up New York City's courts district is a chaotic scene this morning, with Trump supporters, anti-Trump demonstrators and hundreds of members of the world's press gathered in a city park awaiting Donald Trump's arraignment.
Key points:
- Much of the crowd outside the courthouse was composed of journalists and police
- Smaller numbers of MAGA supporters rallied against those who had come out against Donald Trump
- Trumps biggest supporters in Congress briefly addressed the crowds
At 2:30pm local time, the former president pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts inside the Manhattan courtroom.
Ahead of the hearing, the city attempted to separate the Trump supporters from anti-Trump demonstrators, erecting a physical barrier between them and escorting anyone who crosses behind enemy lines back to their respective camp.
Tensions are running high as the division that so deeply divides America is laid bare as a huge moment in American history is set to play out next door.
The Trump camp has been visited by both George Santos and Marjorie Taylor Greene, with both members of Congress being swamped by press.
Donald Trump supporters said they did not care about the details that are revealed as the indictment is unsealed, they believe their president will only benefit from the proceedings.
And for those on the other side of the barrier, there is hope that the law is finally catching up to Mr Trump and that today marks just the beginning of America's legal and judicial system holding him to account for his alleged crimes.
Jennifer Fisher is on the anti-Trump side of the barricade.
"I am frightened American democracy is slipping away and that we're part of the rise of fascism worldwide and I feel it's really important to hold him accountable. And this is the first time he's been indicted or held accountable for any of his many (alleged) crimes," she said.
"I assume this is the first and there will be more to follow and I feel like we've just got to stand up for it despite the fact his cult is also here.
"I hope that those people begin to see the light, or realise they're being conned."
Rosa Cerrato said she wasn't interested in any evidence disclosed as part of these proceedings.
"We don't care if he's behind bars. We still want him to run. Run for president no matter where you are or what's going on or what they do against you," she said.
"He made us feel safe when he was president, he improved our lives. We were able to see our economy grow. We were able to actually feel secure about our future and our children's future."
It's a similar story as I chat to others gathered in the Trump camp. It's always very difficult to really interrogate issues and clarify what these supporters mean in their interview answers.
For example, there is a real focus on law and order, but the fact Mr Trump is before a court on felony charges does not dissuade them.
And there is a firm belief this prosecution is politically motivated, but Rosa insists he will win anyway and this case will just boost his popularity.
Media pack outnumbers protesters
To paint a picture of the media spectacle: this park is surrounded on three sides with media vans and trucks, there are two lines for access to the court stretching several blocks, there are more reporters, producers and camera operators than there are protesters and then there are the citizen journalists running their own live streams.
The crush of members of the press is extreme. I was in London for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and here in the US for the 2020 general election, but this is another level.
All of the attention today is concentrated within two square blocks.
There are helicopters overhead and a heavy police presence and continuous demonstrations.
It's a historic moment and you can be sure, it will be well documented by the world's media.
Trump's supporters in Congress hit the streets
In a bit of a surprise moment, George Santos started walking through the crowd. The press swarmed him and several anti-Trump demonstrators started shouting questions at him, including "tell us about your volleyball career" and "can you explain your Nobel Prize to us".
He did not stay long but not long after, Trump's biggest supporter in Congress, Marjorie Taylor Green made her appearance.
Through a megaphone she repeated some of the most common lines heard this morning — that Alvin Bragg's indictment of Trump is politically motivated.
She said the Democrats were "the party of violence".
"But we're the part of peace. We're the party that wants to protect the lives of the unborn ... We're the party of secure borders.
"We're the party that will bring peace to the world like president Trump did."
With anti-Trump demonstrators nearby her address was almost drowned out by whistles and chanting and within minutes there was a crush in the press pack and she was gone.
ABC/Wires
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