Trump Submits to Authorities Over Alleged Hush Money Payment to Adult Film Star
On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump turned himself in at the Manhattan district attorney's office in connection with criminal charges related to an alleged hush money payment made to an adult film actress. Trump, the first current or former president ever to be indicted, waved to the crowd before entering the district attorney's office at around 1:30 p.m., accompanied by U.S. Secret Service agents and his attorneys.
Although Trump is expected to be fingerprinted, it is unlikely that he will have his mug shot taken. He will remain in the custody of the district attorney's office until he is escorted to a courtroom within the same building for his arraignment later in the day. Following his arraignment, Trump is anticipated to be released without having to post bail.
The district attorney's office, a nondescript government facility, provides a stark contrast to Trump's usual surroundings. Minutes before arriving at the courthouse, Trump posted on Truth social, "Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL. WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can't believe this is happening in America."
Police closed streets leading to the district attorney's office's main entrance as helicopters hovered overhead. Opposing groups of anti-Trump and pro-Trump demonstrators, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and George Santos, gathered in a park across from the courthouse. Reporters and onlookers had spent the night on the street nearby, hoping to gain access to the arraignment.
On Monday, Trump, a Florida resident, flew to Manhattan and spent the night in his Trump Tower penthouse. A motorcade, trailed by news helicopters, transported him downtown on Tuesday afternoon.
This marks the first time Trump has entered the office of the district attorney, whom he has accused of political bias and called an "animal" and "racist." District Attorney Alvin Bragg has not directly addressed Trump's accusations but has defended the indictment against Republican criticisms. Bragg is scheduled to hold a press conference following Trump's arraignment on Tuesday.