How to Go to the Manafort Trial in Person
Here's what you need to know if you want a good experience at this media circus.
WRITTEN BY LILA THULIN | PUBLISHED ON JULY 30, 2018
On Tuesday, Paul Manaforts trial will begin at a federal courthouse in Alexandria. While the DC area is no stranger to high-profile court cases, this is kind of a big deal: Manafort is the first former Trump aide to go to trial as Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election unfolds. Thinking of trying to be in the room as the marquee trial commences? We answered a few questions you might have:
Wait, one of his trials?
Yes. Manafort lives in Virginia, so the charges against him there are for bank fraud, not paying taxes, and other financial misdeeds. DCs where the more buzzed-about chargesconspiracy against the United States, being an unregistered agent of Ukraine, and more money launderingwere filed.
Where is it?
Manaforts trial will be at the Albert V. Bryan US Courthouse in Alexandria (401 Courthouse Square). The courthouse, which is just minutes from the detention center Manafort was recently moved to, is affectionately known as the rocket docket for its efficiency: its median case-filing-to-trial time is 12.7 months, leaps and bounds ahead of most other federal district courthouses. ... Manaforts trial will occur in Judge T.S. Ellis IIIs ninth-floor courtroom, the biggest in the building. Although the courthouse has its own cellblock, Manafort will return to the Alexandria Detention Center each night, where he is in protective custody.
How do I get there?
The courthouse is located squarely between the King St-Old Town and Eisenhower Avenue stops, so just hop on the Blue or Yellow lines and then walk for ten minutes. According to the courts website, parking opportunities immediately around the courthouse are virtually non-existent, so get out your SmarTrip or go by Uber/Lyft.
When should I get there?
Early. Public entry into the courtroom (journalists included) is first-come, first-serve, so be prepared to wait in line long before the 10 AM start time (the courthouse opens at 8). Ellis courtroom can fit around 100, but if you dont make the cut, an overflow courtroom with live audio and video will also be available.
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