Donald Trump’s Potential Perp Walk in April 2023: A Media Spectacle or Moment of Shame?

Former US President Donald Trump is reportedly ready for a perp walk through Manhattan when he turns himself in to authorities in court in April 2023, following his indictment. The potential perp walk has been the talk of the town, with some of Trump’s detractors hoping for a public moment of reckoning while his supporters are likely to treat it as an opportunity to fuel his run for presidency. However, the security concerns and media attention surrounding the perp walk have raised questions about whether it will be a media spectacle or a moment of shame for Trump.

What is a perp walk?

Perp walks are a media ritual that puts an alleged criminal on display for all to see before being found guilty. During a perp walk, defendants may be handcuffed or even wearing prison clothing. The production is put on by both the press and law enforcement, with high-profile defendants often scrutinized for their walk, dress, and appearance. The perp walk has become a scarlet letter of the digital age and is often seen as a moment of shame and embarrassment for the accused.

Security concerns surrounding Trump’s potential perp walk

Trump’s potential perp walk has raised concerns about security. It is unclear how he will enter the courthouse given his security detail and the possible presence of protestors. Despite these concerns, sources close to Trump have reported that he is ready for the perp walk to create a spectacle; they have also stated that his lawyer has said that he will not be handcuffed during the walk.

The potential outcome of Trump’s perp walk

Orchestrating a perp walk for Trump is not likely to satisfy those who want to see him punished. His opponents may want to see him humiliated, but if the perp walk becomes a major media spectacle, he will be energized. Trump knows how to play to the camera and create his own media events, which is why a perp walk could fuel his run for presidency. In the past, politicians like Rick Perry have handled their perp walks positively and won the visual moment in the court of public opinion.

The issue of prolonged presence of scaffolding in NYC

Meanwhile, another issue of concern in New York City is the prolonged presence of scaffolding on city streets. Scaffolds are too common in New York City and remain up for too long. The city’s Independent Budget Office reported that sidewalk sheds had tripled over the past two decades. Seventy-five percent of those installed for façade repairs were longer than a year, with some up for more than five years. Many scaffolds, including the one outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse for Trump’s arraignment, are there for inspection required under Local Law 11.

If made more flexible and if drones were allowed in some cases to do the job, the prolonged presence of scaffolding might be averted. Manhattans Borough President Mark Levine has suggested sensible reforms to streamline repairs and inspections. A terrific online city map shows all 8,929 active sidewalk shed permits.

The need for sensible solutions

While a perp walk may serve as a moment of shame or media spectacle depending on its management and outcome, the issue of prolonged scaffolding looms larger than ever. It is imperative that sensible solutions are enforced to ensure that pedestrians’ safety is prioritized while buildings are kept in good condition.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s potential perp walk through Manhattan following his indictment raises concerns about security and whether it will be a media spectacle or a moment of shame. However, it is important to remember that these concerns pale in comparison with the more pressing issue of scaffolding on city streets. Sensible solutions must be enforced to ensure that the prolonged presence of scaffolding is not a hazard to pedestrians and buildings alike.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons