Probably just a city truck that the police were using to block the street.

Probably for this exact purpose. It’s much less intimidating than the military vehicles.

probably to do exactly what they did. specifically, to barricade streets from people also diving dumptrucks and whatever other heavy vehicle they might get. Chances are it was requested by the secret service detail.

It’s either that or an MRAP, and MRAPS don’t exactly convince people they’re the Kinder and Friendly New York Police™️

My city uses them as snowplows

I don’t know why, but I never thought to question that until this very moment.