Former President Donald Trump surrendered at Fulton County Jail on Thursday evening, facing charges related to his alleged attempt to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. Trump, 77, spent about 20 minutes being processed and having his mugshot taken at the correctional facility, marking the first time a former president has experienced such an event.
After his brief time at the jail, Trump returned to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where he addressed reporters, maintaining his stance of innocence: “We did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong, and everybody knows it.” He emphasized that challenging what he believed to be a dishonest election was within his rights.
Later, he departed for Newark Liberty International Airport after approximately 90 minutes in the battleground state.
Supporters and opponents gathered outside the facility in Atlanta, expressing contrasting opinions. Nadine Seiler, a supporter of Fulton County’s district attorney, criticized Trump’s actions and alleged criminality, while supporters of the former president maintained his innocence and loyalty.
Trump and 18 others were indicted on charges including violating Georgia’s anti-racketeering law. This marked the fourth time this year that Trump faced criminal charges, with the Atlanta jail being the first to capture his mugshot.
Unlike previous instances, Trump did not make an initial court appearance that night. This will occur during his arraignment, expected to take place the week of September 5.
Trump’s attorneys and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis agreed to a $200,000 bond, the highest among the defendants. Notably, former mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani received the second-highest bond at $150,000.
Many defendants from the indictment have already surrendered, including Scott Hall, a GOP poll watcher, and John Eastman, an attorney connected to the alleged strategy to subvert the 2020 election. The indictment encompassed several figures associated with Trump’s legal team and political efforts.
The case is being closely followed, with hearings and legal proceedings set to continue in the coming weeks.
