Donald Trump became the first former president with a mug shot when he was placed under arrest at the Fulton County jail on Thursday evening.
Trump was booked on 13 counts stemming from his efforts to reverse Georgia’s 2020 election results — including racketeering, conspiracy charges and soliciting a public official to violate their oath of office.
It is the fourth time this year the former president has faced criminal charges.
Here’s what to know about the historic day:
- What happened: The former president, wearing a dark blue suit and red tie, arrived at the Fulton County jail at around 7:30 p.m. ET. After he surrendered, he was placed under arrest and booked on more than a dozen charges. Jail records listed him at 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, with blue eyes and blond or strawberry hair. His booking number was P01135809. A mug shot was also taken.
- Released on bond: The booking process was completed in little more than 20 minutes because the former president and his lawyers negotiated his consent bond agreement ahead of the surrender. Trump agreed to a $200,000 bond and other release conditions, including not using social media to target the co-defendants and witnesses in the case. Trump covered the cost of the bond by putting 10% toward it and working with a local Atlanta bonding company, sources told CNN.
- What Trump said: The former president briefly addressed reporters before boarding his plane to return to New Jersey. He said, “I did nothing wrong,” and described the criminal case against him as “a travesty of justice.” In an interview with the right-wing network Newsmax, he described being at Fulton County jail as "a “terrible experience."
- The mug shot: Trump's team had discussed the former president's mug shot prior to his arrival at Fulton County jail, two sources familiar with the discussions told CNN. Trump ultimately decided he wanted to appear "defiant" in the shot, and purposefully chose not to smile, the sources said.
- Fundraising battles: After leaving Atlanta, Trump posted the image of his mug shot on Truth Social and X, formerly known as Twitter, as the campaign sought to fundraise off the arrest. Without referencing the events in Georgia, President Joe Biden's campaign also sent a fundraising email that read, “I think today’s a great day to give to my campaign.”
- A new lawyer: Trump and his senior advisers briefly met with his new Georgia lawyer, Steven Sadow, on the plane to Atlanta. Trump replaced his previous lawyer, Drew Findling, just ahead of the surrender. In 2021, Sadow criticized RICO charges as a way for prosecutors to introduce evidence that would otherwise not be admissible during an interview about the potential charges Trump faced in Georgia.
- The scene outside: Supporters of the former president lined the street entrance to the jail before Trump arrived. Protesters both in support and against Trump stood with signs. Some were dressed in prison uniforms or were draped in American flags, with some singing “God Bless America.” During the proceeding, protesters were yelling about District Attorney Fani Willis, chanting, “Lock Fani up.”
- About the jail: The Fulton County jail has a reputation for troubled conditions for inmates. Last month, the US Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation into living conditions, access to health care, violence against detainees and possible discrimination against those with psychiatric disabilities.
- What happens next: All of the defendants have until noon on Friday to surrender. Willis has also asked for Trump and the other 18 defendants to be arraigned next month. She has requested an October 23 trial date.
