Trump in handcuff shocker: ex-president arrested in historic courthouse showdown

In a historic and disgraceful turn of events, Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race, has been formally arrested and is set to become the first former US president to face criminal charges. Trump surrendered to the Manhattan district attorney’s office upon arrival at the New York courthouse.

The former president, donning his trademark dark blue suit and red tie, left his Trump Tower residence with a fist pump before being escorted to the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse by his Secret Service protection team. Trump is due to be fingerprinted and processed, though it remains uncertain whether a mugshot will be taken.

The courtroom will see Trump’s arraignment, during which the formal charges will be disclosed and he is expected to enter a plea. It is anticipated that Trump will not be handcuffed during the proceedings. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed disbelief at the situation, writing, “Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL – WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”

While television cameras are prohibited inside the courtroom, five still photographers will be granted access before the hearing commences. However, TV cameras will be permitted in the building’s hallways, providing Trump with an opportunity to speak to reporters.

The indictment reportedly contains multiple accusations of falsifying business records, including at least one felony offence. Trump, 76, is being investigated over an alleged $130,000 hush money payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, which he famously won. The payment was allegedly intended to prevent Daniels from discussing a sexual encounter she claims to have had with Trump in 2006. Trump has denied any sexual relationship with Daniels.

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal lawyer, has stated that the ex-president directed him to arrange the payment to Daniels. Trump has acknowledged reimbursing Cohen for the payment, which the Trump Organization recorded as legal expenses. Trump is expected to plead not guilty, denouncing the indictment as a “witch-hunt” and asserting that it is politically motivated due to District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Democratic affiliation. Trump also claims that the investigation is an attempt to undermine his potential return to the White House in 2024. Notably, a conviction would not prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in the next election.