As the highly anticipated criminal trial of former President Donald Trump continues in Manhattan, a diverse mix of eager spectators has been lining up outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse in hopes of securing a coveted seat inside the courtroom. Rain or shine, locals and tourists alike have braved the elements, with some even camping out overnight, in the hopes of witnessing history unfold before their eyes.

The trial, which centers around Trump's alleged falsification of business records to conceal hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, has garnered immense public interest. Unlike other sought-after events in New York City, such as Knicks playoff games or Yankees baseball matches, attending Trump's trial is free for the public, as long as they arrive early enough.

The line outside the courthouse began forming as early as 6 a.m. on Saturday, with Tina Johnson, a Westchester resident, taking the initiative to create an informal list and secure her spot outside Collect Pond Park. By noon, a slow-moving line had formed behind her. Monday's proceedings promise to be particularly compelling, as it includes the final testimony of former Trump attorney Michael Cohen and the possibility of Trump himself taking the stand in his defense.

Over the past four weeks, hundreds of New Yorkers and tourists have flocked to the trial, hoping to catch a glimpse of Trump and key witnesses like Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen. The demand for public seats has been so high that court officials have established a system of lines to allocate seating in both the main courtroom and a nearby overflow room, where a video feed of the proceedings is shown to the public and the press.

Approximately 60 members of the press are accommodated in the main courtroom each day, while one row of seats is reserved for the public. In the overflow room, multiple rows are set aside for spectators, demonstrating the widespread interest in witnessing the trial firsthand.

However, not everyone in line is solely motivated by the desire to witness history. Among the crowd, there are opportunists hoping to make a profit from their waiting time. Professional line sitters have been spotted, paid by clients to hold a spot until Monday morning. Additionally, some individuals have contemplated selling their seats, with prices reaching as high as $800, according to one college student from Brooklyn.

Despite varying opinions on Trump's guilt or innocence, the atmosphere in the line remains surprisingly amicable. Disagreements between spectators like Tina Johnson, who staunchly believes in Trump's innocence, and Richard Partington, who leans towards a guilty verdict, have not hindered their camaraderie.

As Monday approaches, with the trial set to resume, spectators pass the time outside the courthouse by exploring downtown Manhattan, grabbing coffee at nearby establishments, and engaging in conversations about the case. With only 36 hours left before they can enter the courtroom, they hold onto the hope of witnessing history unfold, agreeing to disagree on their opinions while still maintaining a mutual respect.

As the trial progresses, spectators eagerly anticipate the insights provided by Cohen's final testimony and the possibility of Trump taking the stand. The courtroom doors will open soon, granting a select few members of the public the opportunity to witness the unfolding drama, while others will have their chances to experience the trial from the overflow room or potentially reap a financial reward.

The trial remains a captivating spectacle, attracting both genuine interest and entrepreneurial pursuits, reminding everyone that the pursuit of justice and the allure of historic moments continue to captivate the attention of the public.