Protesters gathered outside a Manhattan courthouse early in the morning to demonstrate against former President Donald Trump as speculation mounts about his potential indictment on criminal charges. The demonstration was attended by around 20 people, mostly retirees, who held up signs accusing Trump of being guilty and proclaiming that nobody is above the law. They also displayed caricatures of Trump imprisoned in a prisoner’s uniform. The rally was watched over by a heavy police presence, and Trump himself has claimed to be the victim of a “witch hunt.”
Trump currently faces a range of legal cases, with the most immediate being an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. This five-year inquiry is focused on a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, which she claims was made in exchange for her silence about a sexual relationship during his 2016 presidential campaign. If indicted, Trump would become the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges.
Trump claims to have heard rumours that he will be indicted on Tuesday, but the proceedings of the Manhattan Criminal Court are taking place out of public view. Various media outlets have confirmed that the next scheduled date for the grand jury is Wednesday. The former president has asked his “74 million voters” to sign a letter against “threats of possible arrest,” while on Monday, around 20 of his supporters demonstrated in front of the court, separating themselves from the protesters outside.
The Storming of the Capitol remains the elephant in the room, and although Trump maintains that it was a legitimate protest against election rigging, several Republicans see it as a terrorist attack. As over 720 defendants await their fate, more than 50 have already been convicted. Among those on trial include the far-right group, “Proud Boys”, whom the city of Washington has sued for compensation. Radio announcer and conspiracy theorist, Alex Jones, who played a significant role in the pro-Trump demonstration marching on Washington, has also been accused of collaborating in the financing of the riot.
The police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021, continue to feel the effects of the events. One officer died in the violent clashes, and four others have committed suicide following the experience. The quality of the capital’s security is also being questioned as investigations reveal that the leadership provided virtually no instructions despite mounting evidence of a potential attack. With Trump’s return to politics expected, officials are bracing themselves for more turmoil, challenging times, and potential constitutional crises to come.
