Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City known for his tough stance against crime and his role in revitalizing the city, turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail on Wednesday. This development comes as he faces allegations that he, alongside others including former President Donald Trump, tried to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
JUST IN: A defiant Rudy Giuliani turns himself in to the Fulton County jail, says he feels good because he is defending the rights of Americans.
“I'm the same Rudy Giuliani that took down the mafia that made New York City the the safest city in America.”
“Enemies of our… pic.twitter.com/BKfiqlOi8n
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 23, 2023
Before his surrender, Giuliani, who used to serve as a federal prosecutor, shared, “I’m heading to Georgia with confidence, as I believe I’m safeguarding the rights of all Americans, just as I did during my time as a United States attorney.”
He expressed his willingness to comply with the law, stating, “I’m going to Fulton County to comply with the law, which I always do.”
Speaking of the charges, he vowed to plead not guilty. He also expressed his regret about the prospect of having his mug shot taken, humorously remarking that he had put some of the 20th century’s most notorious criminals behind bars.
In his words: “And I’ll get photographed. Isn’t that nice? A mug shot for the man who probably put the worst criminals of the 20th century in jail? You find a prosecutor who has a better record than mine in the last hundred years — I bet you don’t, or a mayor. And they’re going to degrade themselves by doing a mug shot of me, like people will recognize me. And then of course, they can fingerprint me, but I’ve been fingerprinted 150 times. So this will turn out exactly like the FBI search turned out. They’re lying; I’m telling the truth.”
Reflecting on his impressive record, Giuliani reminded everyone of his accomplishments as a prosecutor who tackled the Mafia and as a mayor who transformed New York City into a safer place. He also spoke of his dedication to justice and his unflinching support for Donald Trump.
Giuliani echoed Trump’s assertion that his targeting was a sign of potential government overreach. He warned, “Now whether you dislike or you like Donald Trump, let me give you a warning: they’re gonna come for you. When the political winds shift, as they always do, let us pray that Republicans are more honest, more trustworthy, and more American than these people in charge of this government. Because if our government is conducted this way, and the system of justice is politicized and criminalized for politics, your rights are in jeopardy and your children’s.”
“Remember,” Giuliani emphasized, “Trump warned that this wasn’t just about him or me. Everyday citizens are now facing indictments for simply making a living. Their lives are being ruined, and they won’t see convictions.” In closing, he urged the public to stand firm against the encroachment of their rights, stating, “Let’s unite to protect our democracy from those who seek to undermine it.”
Trump, whose surrender is expected to occur on Thursday, took to Truth Social to defend Giuliani, writing, “The greatest Mayor in the history of New York City was just ARRESTED in Atlanta, Georgia, because he fought for Election Integrity.”
Per the New York Times, Bernard Kerik, who served as New York City’s police commissioner during Giuliani’s tenure as mayor, accompanied him to the Georgia jail even though he was not named in the case. Others who accompanied the defendant include his lead attorney John Esposito and spokesman Ted Goodman.
True to his fears, his mugshot has since been released.