Barack Obama reported for jury duty in Chicago today

Last week it was reported that former President Barack Obama had been called up for jury duty in Cook County, Illinois.

And while many presumed he wouldn’t show, today he arrived to fulfil his civic duty, much to the elation of the other jurors. The former Commander-in-chief arrived in Chicago this morning to report at the Daley Centre and was accompanied by his Secret Service detail. And while he was well protected, Obama made sure to take some time to mingle with the other potential jurors. Videos of the interaction were quickly shared online and it was clear the moment meant a lot to those waiting.

OBAMA!Jury duty & I just shook hands with the best president ever!! #obama #Chicago #juryduty @BarackObama @POTUS44 @MichelleObama pic.twitter.com/OxdX2g2E0F

— Angel Martinez ? (@1992AngelM) November 8, 2017

And although he is a former president, Obama will still get paid for his service, earning the same as everyone else - $17.20 per day. This is not the first time Obama has been called up to serve on a jury - he was also called up in 2010 as he prepared for his first State of the Union address. He was not able to serve on that occasion.

"Although it’s not a place where the public can earn a lot of money, it is highly appreciated," Evans also told the Tribune on Friday. "It’s crucial that our society get the benefit of that kind of commitment."