HMX (Presidential Unit) flies in formation, they detach around the LZ. Formation isn't a risk to anybody. When jets escort AF1, they are in formation. After you get your wings and get in the fleet 80-90% of fights are formations there aren't that many single AC missions. It is the most efficient use of assets.
I work right by South Street Seaport. They were less than 100ft above the water and still in formation.
From what I remember, the first Marine One landed, then the next one carrying Trump landed about a minute later.
There were also no police around my building.
Fake president either way.