Key Highlights :
1. Donald Trump had all eyes on him as he made a historic first by facing the first criminal charges ever to be thrown onto a former or current President of the United States.
2. He kept a straight face and a bitter look in his eyes, occasionally waving to the crowd and raising his clenched fist a couple of times as he went in and out of his motorcade formed of black SUVs.
3. With the former US President charged, what is left to see is how the case will unfold and the impact it will have on the political scene ahead of the presidential elections in 2024.
4. But until then, here are some highlights to remember from this day of historical significance for the US.
5. Donald Trump 'mugshot' T-shirt for sale on official online MAGA store during hearing.
6. Judge shaking his finger at Trump while he sat in the dock of the courtroom, Judge Juan Merchan warned Trump to refrain from social media posts that could stir up unrest following messages critical of the prosecutor in the case against him.
7. Trump was urged to refrain from rhetoric that could inflame or cause civil unrest. Judge Merchan also warned Trump that he could be removed from the courtroom if he is disruptive, but Trump spoke only a few times to respond to questions.
8. Trump stayed mostly still with his hands steepled or interlaced and looked ahead during the proceedings, which lasted just over an hour.
9. In an awkward moment and while all eyes and cameras pointed at him as he walked into the courtroom, Donald Trump nearly had the door slammed in his face.
10. Trump's right fist raised at his supporters as part of his efforts to solidify the narrative of him being a victim of "political persecution", the former US President-turned-criminal defendant repeatedly raised his right fist when he faced the public.
11. Paired with his everlasting rants on social media, the picture speaks of Trump's strategy of using the indictment to galvanize his supporters as he carries on with his campaign ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.
From protesters clashing outside the Manhattan courthouse to supporters and opponents engaging in violence, the US continues to see a surge of protests related to former President Donald Trump. Here are some highlights from recent events.
In Manhattan, New York, Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, was due to testify in front of a federal grand jury for possible financial crimes. However, protests outside the courthouse turned violent, with clashes between police and protesters.
US District Judge Kimba Wood presiding over the case warned Trump to not incite violence through social media. "These are real people with families and jobs. The President of the United States should not use social media to incite violence," she said in a scathing statement.
In Berkeley, California, a rally organized by the far-right group Patriot Prayer led to violence between Trump supporters and opponents. There were reports of vandalism, and one Trump supporter was allegedly seen attacking a counter-protester with a metal pole.
In Portland, Oregon, a Trump supporter was arrested after assaulting a left-wing demonstrator with a bike lock, while in Gainesville, Florida, a Trump supporter was arrested after allegedly punching a protester in the face.
These events demonstrate the ongoing polarization and tension surrounding Trump and his legacy in the US. While protests and rallies are a fundamental part of free speech and democracy, it is essential to maintain peaceful and non-violent means of expression.
The US government and its leaders must ensure that they lead by example and promote peaceful discourse, rather than promoting violent and divisive rhetoric that can lead to clashes and unrest in the streets.
