'Seems so SURREAL': Donald Trump arrested for hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump was arrested on Tuesday as he awaits arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on criminal charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. The arrangement is scheduled at 2.15 pm EST before Judge Juan Manuel Merchan. By turning himself in to the court, he was effectively arrested even though he won't be shackled, forced to pose for a mug photo or given the perp walk.
As per a report from BBC, Trump departed his residence in Trump Tower. Before getting inside his car, he made a fist and waved to the waiting cameras. When he made his way from the car to the courthouse, he continued to address the crowd in the same manner.
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'Seems so SURREAL'
During the drive 6.4-kilometer-long drive to the courthouse which only took his motorcase minutes, he posted on social media, Truth Social, and wrote, "Seems so SURREAL -- WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”
On March 18, Trump told the media that he thought his arrest was coming soon. The arrest comes as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg continues to investigate Trump's role in offering adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her silence and confidentiality on their alleged 2006 affair.
Trump is not wearing handcuffs but will have his fingerprints taken
Trump allegedly reimbursed ex-attorney Michael Cohen for paying Daniels through the Trump Organization, labeling the charges as "legal fees," according to the indictment, Trump has reportedly been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the hush money payments to Daniels, which can be a felony in New York if they were fabricated to conceal a crime, as the indictment reportedly alleges.
No video and only six still photographers allowed
The reports said the former president did not wear handcuffs, but will have his fingerprints taken. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is prosecuting Donald Trump, also entered the courtroom. Only five photographers will be allowed in the courtroom with Donald Trump ahead of the hearing and only still photographs are allowed to be taken. No video. Trump is running for the presidency in 2024 and will be released on bail. He, as per reports, plans to return to Florida later.