Police observe subdued crowd despite heightened security on Trump arraignment day

By Kaishi Chhabra and Siddhi Mahatole

Washington, D.C.- Metal barricades with yellow tape reading “do not cross” were seen throughout the Judiciary Square neighborhood ahead of former President Donald Trump’s arraignment on charges of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

“As you see, the people are very cooperative. Everybody’s getting along,” MDP Lt. Pah K Suku said. “No incidents … no fights. I think everybody understands America is a lawful place and we keep it that way.”

While Trump pleaded not guilty to all four charges mentioned in his indictment, law enforcement officers from the U.S. Capitol Police, D.C.’s Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security worked to ensure safety for all and minimize the disruptions.

“Our goal is to have everybody be peaceful, nobody to fight, to keep the streets safe and also have whatever is going on in the courthouse go without interruption,” Officer Nunec said. “There are always some protests going on in the D.C. But we are ensuring everyone’s safety.”

Although a small number of protestors and supporters showed up outside the federal courthouse, the majority of the crowd simply consisted of spectators and onlookers.

” I think the security looks good. It’s here, but it’s not overly involved,” said Debbie from Cincinnati, who was visiting the federal courthouse. “I don’t think they are threatening or riling people up, so I’m comforted that people are here— the park police, the secret services and all, but they’re not arresting anyone. They are just letting people express themselves, and I think that that’s good.”