Judge Denies Request for Cameras In Courtroom For Trump’s Arraignment

A US District Court Judge in Florida has ruled that all journalists covering Trump’s trial in Miami may not bring any electronic devices such as cell phones into the courtroom.

The move by Chief US District Judge Cecilia Altonaga isn’t too surprising considering “broadcasting and photographing criminal proceedings in federal courts is prohibited under the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure.”

The Judge also revealed in her ruling that “US Marshals Service will continue to inspect all cellular phones and other electronic equipment as they are brought into the federal courthouse facilities.”

Despite no cameras allowed in the courtroom transcripts  of the court hearing will be provided.

WOW

At 11th hour, chief judge for the Southern District of Florida issues order prohibiting *journalists* from being phones or any electronic device into courthouse for Trump arraignment

Not just cameras and audio.. but phones are now banned toohttps://t.co/uIf6P1TspK pic.twitter.com/OOduqXq802

— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) June 13, 2023

Here’s what The New York Post reported:

The top judge for the US District Court of the Southern District of Florida on Monday ruled that journalists covering former President Donald Trump’s arraignment in Miami on Tuesday may not bring cellphones into the courtroom.

“It is ORDERED that on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, all cellular phones and/or electronic equipment are hereby prohibited for news reporters and other members of the media inside the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse in Miami,” Chief US District Judge Cecilia Altonaga wrote in her ruling on Monday.

The judge added that US Marshals Service will “continue to inspect all cellular phones and other electronic equipment as they are brought into the federal courthouse facilities as directed to protect the Bench, Bar, and public from harm” and that anyone violating the order could face punishment up to and including 30 days in jail and $5,000 fine.

Judge DENIES media group's request for cameras in courtroom for Trump arraignment tomorrow *and* rejects parallel request for release of court audio feed

Judge Jonathan Goodman says, in part: "Allowing photographs would undermine the massive security arrangements put in place" https://t.co/LwlIkLdDj9

— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) June 13, 2023

🚨#BREAKING: Judge denies request for footage from Trump's arraignment tomorrow, but says a transcript will be available within hours

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) June 13, 2023

In Trump’s New York Federal Case, Judge Juan Merchan also ruled that no video was allowed to be taken during the trial but cameras were allowed inside to take pictures.

Per Fox News:

A judge presiding over Donald Trump’s arraignment in a Manhattan courthouse Tuesday afternoon has denied a request from several media outlets to allow cameras to cover live courtroom proceedings, according to court documents.

New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan said the court would allow a “limited number” of videographers, photographers and radio journalists to be present but denied the motion to allow photos or live video during the court session.

However, five pool photographers will be allowed to take pictures for several minutes before the hearing begins.