Trump surrenders to charges, released on bond

By Lisa Chasanov, Ella Narag, Lika Lezhava and Lillie Salas • August 24, 2023

Courtesy of Fulton County Sheriff’s Office

Donald Trump’s mugshot, the first ever of a former U.S. president.

Former President Donald Trump surrendered to pending charges related to Georgia’s 2020 presidential election today and was released on a $200,000 bond.

Trump was charged with 13 criminal counts by the Fulton County grand jury, including charges related to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. This act is intended to prosecute perpetrators of organized crime and high-level gang activity.

After arriving at Fulton County Jail, the 45th president spent 20 minutes being processed at the facility before his release.

Several members of Trump’s inner circle also turned themselves in on Wednesday — including former lawyer and mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani and former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. All were released on bond.

According to the Associated Press, Giuliani said that the indictment was wrongful and that he was honored to be involved.

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“This case is a fight for our way of life,” Giuliani said. “This indictment is a travesty. It’s an attack on … the American people.”

Trump is the first former president to be indicted. This charge is his fourth indictment.

According to a statement issued by the Trump presidential campaign, Trump admits to no crime.

“I’m writing to you from Trump Force One, on my way to Atlanta where I will be ARRESTED despite having committed NO CRIME,” the statement said.

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About the Contributors

Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting

Howdy! My name is Lisa, my game is delivering quality news to your phone screen, coffee table and recycling bin. Since fall 2022, I have had the honor of writing, editing and often-unsuccessfully pitching content for The Daily Illini. During my time at the 152-year-old news source, I have served as a reporter at our news desk, summer editor and assistant news editor. Most recently, after a rewarding year of bringing you hard-hitting stories such as “Uncut: Dissecting Circumcision” and “‘Surf’s Up’ could be the film of the summer,” I have taken over as managing editor for reporting. In my free time, you can find me performing open heart surgery in dark alleys, communicating telepathically with small woodland creatures and engaging in otherwise dubious activities. If you would like to summon me for any reason, you can find me at [email protected]. Good Yard. Stay tuned for more.

Ella Narag, Special Sections Editor

Hi! My name is Ella, and I am a junior studying integrative biology honors and global studies. I joined The Daily Illini as a staff news writer in September 2022, went on to serve as the news editor from March 2023-24 and am currently the special sections editor. When I’m not writing, I’m sipping matcha with a book in hand!

Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief

My name is Lika Lezhava and I am a senior in advertising with a minor in journalism. This is my second year with The Daily Illini, and I am excited to continue the legacy of our beloved 154-year-old news source. I began working for The DI in my sophomore year as a news reporter and became an assistant news editor soon thereafter. Within the next couple of weeks, I became the news editor and spent two rewarding months in that role. Finally, I rose to the position of editor-in-chief. Although I’ve worked my way up rather quickly, I have been able to see and experience every moving part that goes into a successful news source. If you have any general questions, please call our office at (217) 337-8300. For personal inquiries, feel free to reach out to me through email at [email protected], or over the phone (217) 337-8365.

Lillie Salas, Managing Editor

Hello! My name is Lillie Salas, and I am a sophomore majoring in journalism. I have been working at The Daily Illini since my freshman year. I began as a staff writer in features and then had the opportunity to be promoted to features editor during my second semester. I am so honored to work with such an amazing staff and I look forward to working with the Champaign-Urbana community to share our stories. For any inquiries, contact me at my email below.