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Central New Yorkers React To Trump Indictment Central New Yorkers React to Trump Indictment

Manlius residents have mixed opinions on the first ever presidential indictment.

By Ronald Parrillo

Looking eastbound on NY-173 in Manlius.
© 2023 Ronnie Parrillo

ANCHOR

While the focus today is downstate, people all across Central New York nation are reacting to these historic charges. N-C-C’s Ronnie Parrillo spoke with residents in Manlius today about their thoughts on Trump’s case.

RONNIE

As President Trump makes his way to a Manhattan courthouse 200 miles south of Central New York, emotions in the city are running high. But here in Manlius, it’s a mixed bag. Some residents say they aren’t sure how to feel in this moment. Mike Comer says he thinks the move is more political than anything else.

MICHAEL COMER:

“With everything that’s gone on with previous presidents, let’s say Biden, and let’s say Bill Clinton. Hillary, what she’s gotten away with… I think it might be a little political game going on right now, so I see some unfairness to it.”

RONNIE:

The former president is facing a slew of charges, including falsifying business records and a six-figure hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels back in 20-16. But as the president campaigns for a third time for the White House, residents still want to see charges brought up from the last election around Trump’s claims of voter fraud.

MANLIUS RESIDENT (Unidentified):

“It would be great if the first indictment of what will probably be three or four, was one of the other cases. … Georgia.”

RONNIE:

As this story develops, N-C-C News will bring you more on the indictment. For now, live in Manlius, Ronnie Parrillo, N-C-C News.

MANLIUS, N.Y. (NCC News) — The focal point of former President Trump’s arrest was downstate in Manhattan, but in Central New York, local residents have mixed feelings about both the indictment and the charges being brought against the 45th president. In Manlius, resident Mike Comer said that while charges may be justified, there is a double-standard and that politics play a role.

“With everything that’s gone on with previous presidents, let’s say Biden, and let’s say Bill Clinton. Hillary, what she’s gotten away with… I think it might be a little political game going on right now, so I see some unfairness to it.”

Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts on Tuesday in Manhattan Criminal Court. It marks the first time in American history that a president, past or present, has been indicted. The former president and New York City real estate giant falsified business records, according to the indictment. Other Manlius residents are happy with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s decision to bring Trump up on charges, just not those that involve business fraud.

“It would be great if the first indictment of what will probably be three or four, was one of the other cases. … like Georgia.”

The former president is under investigation and could face charges in the Peach State regarding the 2020 presidential election.

Trump made a speech at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after arriving from New York on Tuesday night and said he “never thought anything like this could happen in America.”

The Onondaga County Republican Committee declined to comment when contacted Tuesday.

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