New York City Mayor Eric Adams called on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and other protesters to “behave” as they descend upon the city for President Donald Trump's arraignment on Tuesday.
Greene, a Trump fanatic, declared over the weekend her intentions to come to New York City and protest outside Manhattan Criminal Court as Trump is arraigned on federal charges on Tuesday.
The Georgia Republican said specifically she’ll be joining the NYC GOP outside the courthouse, where hundreds are expected to convene as Trump becomes the first U.S. president to be criminally charged and arraigned.
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“People like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is known to spread misinformation and hate speech, has stated she’s coming to town,” Adams said in a press conference on Monday announcing safety protocols. “While you’re in town, be on your best behavior.”
Adams insisted that any violence or vandalism would be met with strict punishment, “no matter who you are.” The mayor said the city has not received any concrete threats that suggest violent protests are imminent, but said the city and its police force are prepared for anything.
“While there may be some rabble-rousers coming to our city tomorrow, our message is clear and simple—control yourselves,” Adams said. “New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger.”
Adams called Trump’s court date a “major historical event that will take place in the city.”
Trump said he plans to leave his South Florida estate at Mar-a-Lago and fly to New York City on Monday. The next morning, he’s expected to be ushered to Manhattan Criminal Court and be arraigned, fingerprinted, and have a mugshot taken.
The ordeal comes after a grand jury investigating Trump’s alleged role in a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels decided to indict him.
Fears of a violent protest in New York City have been a concern of authorities for weeks, particularly with Trump’s recent pivot to embrace the Jan. 6 insurrection and those who carried it out.
Reportedly at the center of that pivot is Greene, wh’'s urged Trump to lean in on the Capitol riot by tying it to the sense of “political persecution” that is widely felt within the MAGA base.
Adams and New York’s police commissioner, Keechant Sewell, said in their join press conference that New Yorkers should continue with their Tuesday as usual, but to expect road closures throughout Manhattan.
“Our job is to facilitate and safeguard the rights of people to express themselves and those going about their daily activities,” Sewell said. “But I will remind everyone, violence and destruction are not part of legitimate lawful expression, and will never be tolerated in our city.”
