A RETIRED Inverclyde police chief has come face-to-face with a mounting media frenzy during a holiday to New York.
Ex-superintendent Andy Murdoch is visiting the Big Apple with his family just as the eyes of the world are tuning in to see the trial of former American President Donald Trump.
Andy visited Manhattan Criminal Court hours after a man died after setting himself on fire near to the front of the building.
Despite the tragedy, Andy said there's no eerie atmosphere or sombre feel in the city and said he detects an air of excitement.
He added: "We saw the location where the guy set himself alight.
"It's definitely a bizarre feeling.
"It’s all over the various news channels.
"Media outlets are remaining impartial and there have been no demonstrations at all.
"They will all be looking for something sensational.
"As the court is directly adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge walkway, it's mostly tourists like us swarming the area.
"People are just interested in the spectacle, would be my assessment."
Trump is the first American president, former or sitting, to face a criminal trial.
He is accused of trying to cover up a £104,500 hush-money payment.
Andy said Manhattan Criminal Court isn't the most impressive building he's ever seen.
He added: "It's all very high profile but it's set in very dingy surroundings.
"It's very big but not a very nice looking building.
"It's flanked by the Supreme Court and the Federal Court which are very grand and appear in a lot of movies.
"The Criminal Court is also partly under re-construction and is far less glamorous.
"I'm sure it's not what Mr Trump is accustomed to"
The retired police chief said he's looking forward to seeing everything unfold.
Andy added: "In my experience here in the US, Republicans are fiercely loyal to whoever is their candidate, even Trump.
"It's vice versa for the Democrats.
"What I find bizarre is the media almost profile each juror, without naming them, but it wouldn't take long for people to narrow in on who they are.
"In these big cases, many of the jurors make money from selling their experiences after the trial has ended.
"It's very different from back home."
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