Donald Trump arrives at court as first former US President to face federal charges

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Former US President Donald Trump has arrived at court in Miami to surrender to authorities ahead of his court appearance on charges of allegedly hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate.The 76-year-old was expected to face a magistrate judge, kickstarting a legal process that will unfold at the height of the 2024 presidential campaign and carry profound consequences for his political future and his freedom.

Four black SUVs entered the garage beneath the Miami courthouse, followed by police officers, ahead of his scheduled appearance.A fifth black SUV remained outside.

Security remained tight outside the building but the AP news agency reported that there were no signs of significant disruptions.Trump has insisted, as he has through years of legal woes, that he has done nothing wrong and was being persecuted for political purposes.

But the gravity of the moment was unmistakable as he answers to 37 felony counts that accuse him of wilfully retaining classified records.Prosecutors say he could have jeopardized national security if the documents had been exposed, and have accused him of trying to hide them from investigators who demanded them back.