Donald Trump has been formally charged with falsifying business records at a hearing in New York City.
He pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts.
The charges stem from hush money payments allegedly made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during Trump's 2016 election campaign.
It makes him the first former president in US history to face criminal charges.
As crowds of his supporters gathered in downtown New York today, Trump entered the courthouse out of sight and surrendered for processing where he was formally arrested and placed into custody.
By 2:30pm local time, Trump was in court for his formal arraignment hearing before Judge Juan Merchan.
Members of the media were allowed inside the courtroom, but the request to film the hearing was denied.
News photographers were allowed in the jury box, and captured images of the former president sitting slouched between his attorneys before proceedings began.
New York's bail laws do not require someone charged with these offences to remain in custody.
His attorneys Joe Tacopina, Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche will work with the judge and the district attorney’s office to set a date for his next court appearance.
Trump left the courthouse shortly after the hearing, piled into a black SUV and set off for LaGuardia airport, surrounded by a motorcade and followed by news helicopters.
His private plane will take him back to his home in Florida, where he is scheduled to give a press conference at Mar-a-Lago later today.
Earlier today, Trump wrote on social media: "Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL - WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can't believe this is happening in America."
Source : ABC/Reuters
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