Former US President Donald Trump has called for the death penalty for violent criminals after a shooting incident near the Manhattan courthouse where his hush money trial is taking place.
The shooting, which occurred just blocks away from the courthouse, unfolded as jury selection for Trump's trial continued. While details remain unclear, authorities confirmed that one person was injured in the altercation.
Trump, who is facing 34 felony counts related to alleged hush money payments, seized on the incident to push his tough-on-crime agenda. "We must immediately bring back the death penalty and use it on these violent criminals," the former president declared.
Security around the courthouse was already heightened due to Trump's high-profile trial, with police maintaining a strong presence in the area. The shooting has raised further concerns about safety in downtown Manhattan during the unprecedented proceedings against a former president.
Legal experts note that Trump's comments about capital punishment come as he faces his own legal jeopardy. The hush money case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, represents the first criminal trial of a former US president.
As the trial progresses, observers expect Trump to continue blending his legal defense with campaign rhetoric ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where he remains the presumptive Republican nominee.
