indictment in New York
Ex-US President Trump arrives in court
4/4/2023 7:42 p.m
It is a so far unique process: In the USA a former president of the country has to answer in court. In New York, Donald Trump is presented with the charges. Supporters and opponents demonstrate in front of the building.
Former US President Donald Trump has arrived in court in New York for the reading of the indictment against him. The Republican ran into the Manhattan courthouse, accompanied by security guards. Trump is the first ex-president in US history to face criminal charges. The arrival at the court was accompanied by heavy security measures and demonstrations by his supporters and opponents alike.
Trump was driven from his skyscraper Trump Tower on the famous Fifth Avenue to the criminal court in Lower Manhattan. There, the 76-year-old Republican should first be treated by the public prosecutor’s office and then brought before a judge. In the so-called Arraignment, the charges against Trump are to be read out. According to his lawyer, the ex-president then wants to plead not guilty. Trump wrote on his online platform Truth Social that the situation was “surreal”. “Wow, they’re going to arrest me. I can’t believe this is happening in America.”
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The district attorney’s office in Manhattan had announced the indictment against Trump last week. A suspect must appear in person for the reading of the indictment. Around 30 charges are to be brought against Trump – none are officially known so far.
The case is complicated. 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. Such a payment in itself is not illegal. According to the media, however, Trump is accused of having incorrectly billed them and falsifying business documents. He may also have violated campaign finance laws.
Trump dismisses all allegations as a “witch hunt” to prevent his victory in the 2024 presidential election. He had already announced several months ago that he would run again for the election. His supporters outside the courthouse also saw the charges as purely politically motivated. Trump is “completely innocent,” said one of the demonstrators.
At the same time, dozens of Trump opponents gathered in front of the court and shouted: 2Lock him up.” Both sides were separated by police cordons. Because of feared riots, New York significantly increased security. Hundreds of journalists were posted around the courthouse.