In a historic first for the United States, former President Donald Trump was arrested on Tuesday after arriving at a New York City courthouse to be arraigned on multiple charges related to hush money payments. Trump traveled to the courthouse in lower Manhattan from Trump Tower in midtown, where he stayed overnight. He is expected to enter a not guilty plea.
As he arrived, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, "Seems so SURREAL - WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can't believe this is happening in America." This case marks a new chapter for the former president, whose career has been riddled with scandal and success over four decades. The stakes are high, as many argue that the fate of American democracy hangs in the balance.
Security was heightened at the courthouse and surrounding areas due to concerns about potential protests. Police closed streets, and helicopters could be heard overhead. Long lines of spectators, some of whom camped out overnight, were present, hoping to gain a seat inside the courtroom.
The judge has prohibited TV cameras from the courtroom but has permitted some photographers to document the historic event, which will likely feature in newspaper headlines, campaign ads, and history books.
Trump has leveraged the indictment to raise money for his 2024 campaign, announcing that it had raised $7 million since the grand jury's decision to indict him last Thursday. Pro- and anti-Trump demonstrators gathered near the courthouse, with tensions rising between the two groups.
The exact charges against Trump will be revealed at the arraignment, but it is believed that he faces around 30 counts related to allegations of document fraud connected to hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. As the charges are nonviolent offenses, Trump is not expected to face bail.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Trump has accused Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg of conducting a "witch hunt" and being "racist." The arraignment marks the beginning of a lengthy legal process that could span months or even years.
