Trump arraignment: Judge denies motion to allow live cameras as former president faces criminal charges

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.

In his ruling, Judge Merchan said he considered "all relevant factors" — which included whether the camera coverage would "interfere with the fair administration of justice… with law enforcement activity, the objections of the Defendant; and limitations related to the physical structure of the courtroom" — but ultimately denied the motion.

He ruled that the integrity of the court’s impartiality outweighed the "monumental significance" of the case and the "unparalleled public interest" it has generated.