Donald Trump Surrenders In Atlanta Over Election Conspiracy Case

Former President Donald Trump surrendered to authorities in Georgia on Thursday (August 24) night after being indicted on multiple charges related to a wide-ranging conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. It is the fourth time that Trump has been arrested since leaving office.

Trump is facing 13 charges as part of a sprawling 41-count indictment. Those charges include racketeering, conspiracy, and soliciting a public official to violate their oath of office.

Unlike his previous three arrests, Trump had his mugshot taken as part of the booking process. Local officials in Fulton County have repeatedly stressed that Trump and the 18 other co-defendants would be treated no differently than any other criminal defendant.

Trump's lawyers previously negotiated a bond agreement in which he agreed to post a $200,000 bond. The terms of his release also bar him from intimidating witnesses and his co-defendants. According to CNN, Trump is working with Foster Bail Bonds LLC and posted 10% of the bond.

The entire process took about 20 minutes.

According to Fox News, Trump's formal arraignment will take place in early September. He is expected to plead not guilty.

When Trump arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, he briefly spoke to reporters.

"It's election interference," Trump said on the tarmac before boarding his private plane. "I want to thank you for being here. We did nothing wrong at all. And we have every right, every single right, to challenge an election that we think is dishonest. So we think it's very dishonest."

Before his arrest, Trump lashed out at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis about the indictment on Truth Social.

"Why is there so much MURDER in Atlanta? Why is there so much Violent Crime? People are afraid to go outside to buy a loaf of bread! One big reason is that failed District Attorney, Fani Willis, who is campaigning and fundraising off "get Trump" (much like the others!), doesn't have the Time, Money, or Interest to go after the real criminals, even the REALLY Violent ones, that are destroying Atlanta, and its once beautiful culture and way of life. This is yet another SAD DAY IN AMERICA!" Trump wrote.

Earlier in the day, Willis proposed an October 23 start date for the trial in response to co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro's demand for a speedy trial. A judge approved the start date for Chesebro's trial but kept her previously proposed start date of March 4, 2024, for the other defendants.