Steve Bannon was seen on live footage arriving at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on Thursday for a hearing over his “We Build the Wall” alleged fraud scheme.
Bannon, the White House chief strategist for former President Donald Trump, was escorted into the court facility by law enforcement while members of the press watched him enter through a silver doorway into the courtroom. His appearance comes just months after he was charged with two counts of money laundering, three counts of conspiracy, and one count of scheming to defraud.
STEVE BANNON INDICTED AFTER SURRENDERING TO NEW YORK AUTHORITIES
Multiple media outlets reported Bannon was in court on a “new indictment” but it was later revealed he was attending a hearing for the alleged fraud case surrounding his “We Build the Wall” fundraising effort, which Trump pardoned him for before leaving office.
Steve Bannon arrives at court for a hearing over “We Build the Wall” fraud and comments on “stolen” Brazil election pic.twitter.com/oS79zUXtJx
— Aaron Katersky (@AaronKatersky) January 12, 2023
On his way into the courthouse, Bannon spouted off some comments alleging the recent election in Brazil was “stolen” and praising “freedom fighters” who have contested the results.
Bannon, 69, was previously indicted on charges of defrauding contributors to the “We Build the Wall” fundraising effort — a gambit aimed at raising private funds to erect a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. The venture amassed $25 million for the project, but Bannon and his partners pocketed $1 million, prosecutors alleged. He denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges in August 2020.
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Trump granted Bannon a pardon on the eve of his departure from the White House alongside a sprawling list of 140 people, sparing his longtime ally from possible prison time. However, a presidential pardon does not shield Bannon from state or local charges.
Separately, Bannon was sentenced to four months in jail in October for fines for contempt of Congress.
