Former US President Donald Trump arrived at a Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday for his arraignment.
Trump was indicted last week by a Manhattan grand jury on charges connected to a “hush money” payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump supporters gathered in front of the Manhattan courthouse ahead of his arraignment amid increased security.
The gathering included New York City’s famous Naked Cowboy, an American street performer.
According to Ayton Eller, a Trump supporter from Brooklyn, he came to show his support for the former president.
“It’s all a hoax,” he stated of the indictment.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican representative, spoke at a protest outside the courthouse. When Trump supporters cheered her on, she blasted Democrats and supported her party’s policies.
“We’re the party that will deliver international peace, like President Trump, not World War III, like Joe Biden,” she stated.
One fan carried a banner that said, “Indict Alvin Bragg,” the District Attorney who testified before the grand jury.
Trump will be accompanied by the Secret Service.
Handcuffs are not expected to be placed on the former president. He plans to return to Florida shortly after his court appearance.
The indictment, according to Trump, is a “witch hunt” and “political persecution.”
The indictment is the first time in US history that a current or past president has been charged with a crime.
According to media reports quoting sources, Trump faces more than 30 counts in the indictment.
The indictment is still sealed, so it is impossible to know what charges Trump faces. It will remain that way until Bragg announces the indictment.