The US television stations are talking about one where were you whenmoment, a moment in which history is being written. In fact, this has never happened before in the United States: a former president appearing before a criminal court. A former president who has to listen to the reading of the indictment, which is likely to accuse him of numerous serious offenses – including ones that, if the court finally gives the maximum sentence, could land him in prison.
An overview of the most important news about Trump’s court date, continuously updated in the evening and during the night.
The former president’s supporters are gathering on the streets of Manhattan hours before the hearing.
(Photo: John Minchillo/AP)
Trump’s arrival
Around Shortly before 7:30 p.m. German time, Donald Trump entered the courthouse in the New York borough of Manhattan. Aerial footage from CNN shows the convoy of black limousines and SUVs stopping in front of the courthouse and Trump getting out accompanied by his security guards. Upon his arrival, he briefly waves to onlookers, but makes no statement.
The usual procedure first takes place in the courthouse – just like with any other accused: fingerprints and some data on Trump’s physical characteristics, such as weight and hair color, are documented. In addition, the rights of the accused are read out, as required by law. One detail is different from normal defendants: Trump, like every former and current US President, is accused by a crowd of Secret Service agents accompanied.
However, it will be different than previously expected by process observers maybe none mug shots by Trump give like that New York Times writes. Such photos, in which the accused can be seen from the front and in profile, are used by the police to identify a suspect, for example if he goes into hiding and flees from the proceedings. In New York State, law enforcement officials have discretion as to whether or not photographs are taken at the hearing. There should be plenty of photos of Trump that allow his identification in case of doubt. In addition, the investigators see no risk of flight. Finally, there is a fear that Trump and his supporters will mug shots exploit for their political purposes.
The reading of the indictment
One Live transmission from the courtroom the responsible judge Juan Merchan rejected. Only five photographers are allowed to take photos at the beginning. The reading was originally scheduled for 8:15 p.m. German time, but has been delayed. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., Trump is led into the hall. The former president looks serious. As CNN reporters report, Trump has apparently previously received insight into the individual points of the indictment.
One of Trump’s attorneys, Joe Tacopina, previously announced that his mandate would change loud and clear after the indictment was read declared “innocent”. becomes.
“Trump’s lies” and “No one is above the law” can be read on banners held up by opponents of the former US President.
(Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP)
What could be charged
Apparently, the New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg more than 30 charges collected. The high number may be explained by the number of incorrect entries in business documents or tax returns. The exact details are under wraps until the indictment is read.
Trump is said to have his attorney Michael Cohen Hush money to the former porn actress Stormy Daniels and model Karen McDougal paid to cover up affairs with the women. That in itself is not punishable.
Trump later returned the money to Cohen, declaring it to be a fee for legal representation. One allegation may be that Trump falsified business results, which is a criminal offense under New York State law.
Much more serious, however, is the fact that the prosecution is trying to get the payment of $130,000 for Daniels and around $150,000 for McDougal Violation of campaign finance laws. According to this argument, Trump should have declared the sums as such campaign donations. However, he didn’t do that. So Trump would have falsified the business results to cover up another crime. This could then not only be a misdemeanor, but a crime under the law.
According to the laws of the state of New York, the 76-year-old faces the maximum penalty a maximum of four years imprisonment. Because he has no criminal record, it is considered unlikely that he will have to go behind bars. There could also be an acquittal or just a fine. In any case, this is the first time in US history that an ex-president has had to face criminal charges.
How to proceed on Tuesday
Immediately after the indictment was read out, Trump plans to fly back to Florida in his private jet and give a speech at his Mar-a-Lago estate. This is for 2.15 a.m. German time planned.
Security precautions in Manhattan have been significantly tightened
(Photo: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters)
Demonstrations in front of the court
Hundreds of reporters report on the hearing, some of them, like the New York Times writes, waited 18 hours in a queue to get one of the seats in the room. They have also prepared Supporters of the accused ex-president. They are holding out in a park across from the courthouse, some gathered as early as morning US time. They see the charges as purely politically motivated, consider them a tactical maneuver by “communists” and say Trump is completely innocent. Photos from the demonstration show people holding up signs that read, for example, “Trump or dead” or, a little more harmlessly, “Vote Trump again.”
At the same time also gather Trump opponent in court. They yell “Lock him up”; Their banners read something like “Trump lies all the time”. Both sides are separated by police cordons. Security precautions in New York have been significantly tightened, and various streets in Lower Manhattan are closed to prevent an escalation like the one on January 6, 2021, when a raging mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.