'DISRESPECTING THE DON': MEET THE COURT COPS WHO LET DOOR SWING CLOSE ON TRUMP
-CHIEFS LET COURTROOM DOOR CLOSE IN THE FACE OF FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP DURING HIS ARRAIGNMENT ON 34 FELONY COUNTS OF FALSIFYING RECORDS IN NEW YORK
-VIDEO BELOW
Michael C. Senese, Chief of Citywide Operations for New York State Courts (l), and Michael Magliano, Chief of Department of Public Safety for New York State Courts, in 2017 upon Senese’s promotion. Photo Credit: The Chief.
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The two officers who didn’t hold a courtroom door open for former president Donald Trump while he was under arrest (video below) appear to be the highest- and third-highest ranking court officers in New York State.
Michael C. Senese is a 3-star Chief of Citywide Operations for New York State Court Officers. Chief Senese was walking directly in front of Trump and leading him into the courtroom for his arraignment on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records when he let the door close behind him.
The very heavy and swiftly closing door appears to momentarily knock the not-handcuffed Trump off-balance-if not almost hit him in the face. He subtly stops the door and pushes it out with his foot or elbow, video below shows.
Senese has 30-plus years of experience as a Court Officer. He started in the Bronx in 1991 and he was promoted to Chief of Citywide Operations in 2017. Senese is responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing state-wide security policies and protocols.
"With nearly thirty years of experience, Chief Senese brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his current position," the Historical Society of the New York Courts says.
Chief Michael Magliano was behind Trump when Trump went through the door with Chief Senese in front. Magliano stands to the side as the door closes on Trump. Magliano is 4-star Chief of the Department of Public Safety for the New York State Courts. In other words, he's the highest-ranking court officer in New York.
The Daily Mail highlighted the moment when they appear to let the courtroom door close on Trump, without identifying the officers.
A person identifying themselves as a Black Lives Matter activist on social media Tweeted it was the "First time a cop has done anything cool in years." Others Tweeted they wanted to buy the cops lunch and a beer.
Meanwhile, Conservative media was quick to call attention to the alleged slight, while incorrectly suggesting the NYPD was responsible.
"DISRESPECTING THE DON: NYC Police Officer Lets Door Slam on Trump on Way Into Court [WATCH]," Sean Hannity, Trump's de facto publicist, Tweeted.
Lucien Chalfen, a spokesperson for the New York State Court system, did not respond to a request for confirmation of the identities of the court officers involved.
Trump himself published a statement on social media Wednesday thanking "Court attendants, Police Officers, and others were all very professional, and represented New York City so well. Thank you to all!"
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