UPDATE - Trump pleads not guilty to 34 charges in New York City courtroom

ADDS TRUMP LEAVING COURTHOUSE

By Betul Yuruk

NEW YORK (AA) - Former US President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 counts Tuesday in a Manhattan courtroom after surrendering to authorities.

Trump left the courthouse after hearing the charges to return to the state of Florida.

He made no statement during the arraignment and was seen sitting alongside his attorneys in the courtroom in a picture published in US media.

A New York grand jury indicted Trump last week on charges related to a "hush money" payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Ahead of his arrival at the courthouse, Trump said on his social media network that it "seems so surreal" and added "wow, they are going to arrest me."

The indictment has been unsealed and the former president faces charges related to falsifying business records and conspiracy for his alleged role in the hush money payments.

- 'Indict Alvin Bragg'

Trump supporters gathered in front of the courthouse in lower Manhattan ahead of his arraignment amid heightened security.

New York City's famous Naked Cowboy, an American street performer, was in the crowd to support Trump.

Ayton Eller from Brooklyn told Anadolu that he came to support the former president.

"It is all fake," he said, referring to the indictment.

Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared at a rally outside the courthouse. She criticized Democrats and defended her party's policies as Trump supporters cheered her on.

"We’re the party that will bring peace to the world like President Trump did, not World War III, like Joe Biden is doing," she said.

One supporter carried a banner which read: "Indict Alvin Bragg," the District Attorney who presented evidence to the grand jury.

The indictment marks the first time in US history that a current or former president has faced criminal charges.