(Dan Tri) – Former US President Donald Trump declared his innocence before the 34-count indictment brought by the New York prosecutor in his first court appearance.
Former US President Donald Trump waved to his supporters after arriving at Manhattan District Court on the afternoon of April 4 (Photo: Getty).
On the afternoon of April 4 local time, former US President Donald Trump had a historic appearance at the Criminal Court in Manhattan, New York City.
The motorcade carrying the former US President left Trump Tower in New York in the early afternoon of April 4 and traveled about 10km to the headquarters and prosecutor’s office in Manhattan.
On the way, Mr. Trump’s motorcade was protected by a dense team of secret agents and police.
`I’m on my way to court in Lower Manhattan. What a surprise – Wow, they’re going to arrest me. I can’t believe this is happening in America. Make America great again!`, he said.
Mr. Trump moves inside the Criminal Court in Manhattan, New York under the tight protection of the secret service and police (Photo: AFP).
At the prosecutor’s office, Mr. Trump was officially arrested, taken to be fingerprinted and appeared before judge Juan Merchan at Manhattan District Criminal Court.
Announcement of indictment
Former US President Donald Trump and his legal team appeared before judge Juan Merchan (Photo: AP).
In the courtroom at Manhattan Criminal District Court, the indictment against the former President was announced, in which Mr. Trump was recommended to be prosecuted on 34 counts.
Prosecutors, citing `Testimony Transcripts`, said personal lawyer Michael Cohen assisted Mr. Trump in paying $130,000 in exchange for silence from former porn star Stormy Daniels through a front company.
Prosecutors also accused Mr. Trump of committing the above crimes to `promote his candidacy`.
Mr. Trump later denied all the accusations and asserted his innocence.
The motorcade taking Mr. Trump left Manhattan Criminal Court (Video: Twitter).
After about 45 minutes of appearing, Mr. Trump and his legal team left the court in Manhattan.
The next hearing will likely take place on December 4.
Mr. Trump and his entourage immediately flew back to Florida at 4 p.m. local time from La Guardia airport in New York.