The ex-president ran into the building accompanied by security guards.
(Photo: Reuters)
new York Former US President Donald Trump arrived in court to read the indictment against him, surrounded by a large police presence and accompanied by demonstrations. The Republican, accompanied by security guards, ran into the Manhattan courthouse and was temporarily taken into custody.
Upon his arrival, he gave onlookers a quick wave. It is the first time in US history that an ex-president has to answer in a criminal case. The arrival at the court was accompanied by heavy security measures and demonstrations by his supporters and opponents alike.
Because of feared riots, New York had increased security significantly. Hundreds of journalists positioned themselves around the court.
The district attorney’s office in Manhattan announced the indictment against Trump on Thursday. A suspect must appear in person for the reading of the indictment. Around 30 charges are to be brought against Trump – none have been officially announced so far.
Shortly before his election as president in 2016, Trump paid hush money to porn actress Stormy Daniels. She had claimed she had sex with him. Trump denies an affair, but not that money flowed.
See live footage from Manhattan here:
The payment itself is not illegal. According to the media, however, Trump is accused of having incorrectly billed them and falsifying business documents. He may have violated campaign finance laws. According to US media, Trump has been charged with 34 crimes, each of which carries a prison sentence.
Court rejects video transmission
Trump is likely to plead “not guilty” at the indictment hearing. The responsible judge rejected a video transmission from the court.
Supporters and opponents of the ex-president were separated by police cordons.
(Photo: Reuters)
Opponents and supporters met in front of the courthouse.
(Photo: Reuters)
Hours before Donald Trump’s arrival, the mood in the park in front of the Manhattan Criminal Court was heated. Behind the barriers, demonstrators for and against Trump face each other. According to New York police, there are 300 pro-Trump protesters and 150 opponents.
His supporters see the charges as purely politically motivated. The protesters waved Trump flags and held up signs that read, among other things, “Witch Hunt”.
A flag of the pro-Trump demo reads “Trump or Death” and calls for Trump for the 2024 presidential election. The other side is loudly demanding that the ex-US president be sentenced. The banners read “Trump for Prison” or “Cry harder right wingers.” One participant came in a prison outfit with a Trump mask. Another brought a Trump pig: An orange pig as a cuddly toy with Trump’s hairdo.
Isolated clashes
Occasionally there are direct clashes: A black demonstrator shouts loudly at a group of black Trump supporters, police officers finally intervene and separate the group. A Trump supporter tries to blend in with the counter-demonstrators and is loudly expelled from the square. Overall, the mood remains quite peaceful, which is also ensured by the strong police presence.
The banner reads, “Trump lies all the time.”
(Photo: IMAGO/USA TODAY Network)
The district attorney’s office in Manhattan announced the indictment against Trump on Thursday.
(Photo: Reuters)
Two protesters from Manhattan have come to support their president, they say. Whether they believe Trump is still the President, “yes,” they reply.
But that’s not what today is about. It was about “that the USA has fallen to communism”.
Trump is “completely innocent,” said a supporter. The Republican exposes “all the corruption” in the country. Another woman said “Communist tactics” were being used against Trump. “America will never put up with that.”
The radical MP Marjorie Taylor Greene also appeared at the demonstration of Trump supporters in Manhattan, which a youth organization of the Republican Party had called for. The 48-year-old sits for the party in the House of Representatives and regularly comes up with conspiracy theories and attacks against minorities. However, she was only seen briefly in Manhattan, where she was booed.
With agency material.
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