The first charges in US special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election were unsealed this morning (Oct. 30). Paul Manafort, Donald Trump’s one-time campaign aide, was one of the first to be named, following months of inquiry. CNN spotted him entering the front door of the FBI at around 8:15 this morning.
Manafort had been spotted earlier in the day in the front seat of a car leaving his home in Alexandria, Va. In a scene that immediately became a metaphor for news of his surrender, Manafort was photographed pulling on the car’s sun visor in a futile attempt to shield himself from scrutiny.
Anyone following the Trump campaign in 2016 knows what Mueller looks like, and anyone paying attention to the Mueller probe could wager he was likely to be charged with wrongdoing. Mueller’s finances and dealings have been pored over by investigators and now that the indictments have been unsealed, a whole hamper of allegations will be strewn about for anyone to see.
Manafort, clearly aware of the legal proceedings that awaited, took a last stab at privacy, a little too late.
