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Updated Apr 4, 2023 - Politics & Policy

A look inside Trump's arraignment hearing

Erin Doherty
Former President Donald Trump during his arraignment hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 4 in New York City.

Former President Donald Trump during his arraignment hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 4 in New York City. Photo: Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images

Throngs of people flocked to the Manhattan courthouse where former President Trump made history on Tuesday as the first former or current president to have been arraigned on criminal charges.

State of play: Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records in the hearing that followed his formal arrest.

  • Metal barricades divided Trump's supporters and critics as they gathered at a park across from the courthouse ahead of his highly anticipated appearance.
  • New York City police bolstered security measures both around the courthouse and Trump Tower.
  • Members of the press also lined up on the streets to gain entry to the courtroom.

Details: Republican Reps. George Santos (N.Y.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), a close Trump ally, joined the crowds Tuesday.

  • Greene headlined a rally at a park across from the Criminal Courts Building, but her words were muffled by protestors who were blowing whistles and shouting.
  • Video from the scene showed security struggling to escort Greene through the crowd.
In photos:
Former President Donald Trump at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 4 in New York City. Photo: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Protester outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office in New York on April 4.
Protesters outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office in New York on April 4. Photo by Leonardo Munoz/AFP via Getty Images
Supporters of former President Donald Trump and counter-protestors are separated as they hold rallies at Collect Pond Park near the courthouse ahead of his arraignment hearing on April 04, 2023 in New York City
Supporters of former President Trump and counter-protestors at Collect Pond Park near the courthouse on April 4. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
A supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump scuffles with anti-Trump protesters outside the courthouse where Trump will arrive later in the day for his arraignment on April 4,
A supporter of former President Trump scuffles with anti-Trump protesters outside the courthouse on April 4. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Supporters of former President Donald Trump gather at Collect Pond Park ahead of his arraignment hearing near the courthouse on April 04, 2023
Trump supporters gather at Collect Pond Park ahead of his arraignment hearing. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump gather outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump will arrive later in the day for his arraignment on April 4,
Trump supporters gather outside the courthouse on April 4. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) walks through the crowd gathered outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump will arrive later in the day for his arraignment on April 4, 2023 in New York City.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) walks through the crowd gathered outside the courthouse. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY) walks through the crowd gathered outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump will arrive later in the day for his arraignment on April 4, 2023 in New York City.
Rep. George Santos (R-NY) walks through the crowd gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

What to watch: Trump is expected to return to Florida and give a speech at Mar-a-Lago at 8:15pm ET.

Go deeper: How Trump plans to fight the indictment

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