On January 6, 2021, former President Donald Trump was expected to concede the 2020 presidential election to then President-elect Joe Biden. After a steady rise of far right ideology across the U.S. during the Trump presidency, thousands of his supporters gathered outside the U.S. Capitol for what started as a rally and turned into a riot. The January 6 Capitol Insurrection is widely regarded as one of the most deadly political riots in American history, and led to a months long investigation into Trump’s alleged role in the incitement of the incident.
Years later, January 6 continues to remain at the forefront of the political and technology ethics conversations. Most recently, Speaker of the House Kevin MccCarthy handed over previously unreleased security tapes from January 6 to Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Carlson cut the footage in a manner that many viewers felt manipulated the perception of the incident, which he now notoriously referred to as a “tourist visit” rather than the violent riot that it really was.
On the tech end, following his purchase of Twitter, Elon Musk revoked former President Trump’s ban from the social media platform. The ban was initially implemented to curb organizers from inciting further violent riots after January 6.
This week, political commentators and New York lawmakers alike have stated that a Trump arrest is likely to come soon. While Donald Trump remains embroiled in several different lawsuits, this one could be in connection to alleged money laundering of Russian funds for his former presidential campaign in New York state. Additionally, a grand jury is set to decide on official charges regarding hush money that Trump paid adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 following their alleged affair, and depending on what they decide, a New York City arrest could be imminent.
Some Republican voters and media personalities have insinuated that the crime may not be serious enough for an arrest. Some New York state representatives disagree.
Rep. Claudia Tenney on Newsmax says she's confident that a Trump indictment will "blow over" because he simply won't show up in court pic.twitter.com/c7zXKsUGzY
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 20, 2023
Republicans insist that Trump’s crime is too minor to justify criminal prosecution.
If you think falsifying business records in order to conceal a $130k illegal campaign contribution is a minor infraction, then I have a few Trump golf courses to sell you.
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) March 20, 2023
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Donal Trump’s niece, psychologist and author Mary Trump, warns that social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter ought to be vigilant about detecting hate speech and violent statements ahead of the arrest, so as to avoid a repeat of January 6.
JUST IN: Not only does Mary Trump think her uncle is panicking now that an indictment is looming, but she also warns violence could be near.
“Donald continues to engage in this kind of stochastic terrorism, that we've seen in the not-so-distant past, which really has… pic.twitter.com/RG7HMDDH9t
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) March 20, 2023
#Arrestmas trends on Twitter as onlookers spot members of the NYPD near Trump tower and Trump’s New York residence today, with countless civilians hoping that justice will be served.
It's beginning to look a lot like #Arrestmas. pic.twitter.com/KvEdzroXto
— The FaolÃn on the Hill ???????? (@MaryPatHyland) March 20, 2023
LIVE NOW: Reporters are gathering outside of a Manhattan court ahead of potential charges against former President Donald Trump. A grand jury will decide whether to charge Trump over hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. https://t.co/iJTMCovOjD
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) March 20, 2023
Banners regarding the potential arrest fly across New York City today. Trump famously built his empire on New York City real estate. He went on to host “The Apprentice,” a reality show in which contestants were tested with developing sharp business skills for Trump’s company.
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NYPD & all of Manhattan are rolling out the FU carpet for Trump. Nobody does disdain like a pissed off NY’er. Remember when he wouldn’t support NYC during the height of pandemic cause he was pissed at Cuomo & blue states? Lady Karma is waiting – LockHimUp pic.twitter.com/Pa0zA2MtNg
— Longjacket ???????????? (@Longjacket2) March 20, 2023
Protesters are slowly gathering outside of Trump tower, touting signs advocating for a second Trump presidency in 2024.
trump told his stans to protest for him and this is currently the scene outside his home lol pic.twitter.com/cM6A00h0W1
— matt (@mattxiv) March 20, 2023
Given the lessons learned on January 6, barricades are being prepared outside of the courthouse that is set to decide his fate.
Steel barricades are being placed in front of the Manhattan court house.
Looks like trump is about to get his wall after all.pic.twitter.com/T5bvLp8mHK
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) March 20, 2023
Meanwhile in Georgia, a different lawsuit is boiling. Local prosecutors are moving towards charges for Trump’s alleged role in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the state.
NEW: As he awaits indictment in Manhattan, Trump is trying to stave off another one — in Georgia, where today his lawyer moved to suppress evidence gathered by a special grand jury. https://t.co/FSMmbSJIQ4
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) March 20, 2023
Charges are still to be announced regarding the Stormy Daniels case and the alleged money laundering in New York.
