Let’s face it—no one jumps for joy when they get that jury duty summons in the mail. But imagine how different it must have been when Barack Obama showed up for his civic duty at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago on November 8, 2017. The 44th president of the United States didn’t shy away from the responsibility, walking into the courtroom ready to serve. Talk about making an entrance!

Barack Obama Walks into the Courtroom Like a Regular Guy

As he entered the courthouse, Obama didn’t let his high-profile status overshadow the moment. With a warm smile and a firm handshake, he greeted everyone around him, cracking jokes and putting people at ease. “Fellow citizens, thank you—thanks, everybody, for serving on the jury or at least being willing to,” he joked, drawing laughter from the room. It was a perfect reminder that even former presidents have to show up when duty calls.

Of course, security was tight. A motorcade rolled up with Secret Service agents keeping watch, reminding everyone just who had walked through the doors. But Obama wasn’t having any of the stiffness. At one point, he reassured his agents when a woman wanted to shake his hand, saying, “It’s okay.” That’s the kind of guy he is—approachable, down-to-earth, and always ready to connect with people.

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The Social Media Buzz

Not surprisingly, the buzz hit social media like wildfire. One lucky juror, Angel Martinez, couldn’t contain their excitement and tweeted about the experience. “OBAMA! Jury duty & I just shook hands with the best president ever!!” they wrote, tagging Obama’s accounts and adding hashtags like #Chicago and #juryduty. You can almost hear the joy in their voice. It’s moments like these that remind us why people adore him so much.

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

Why Didn’t Barack Obama Serve on the Jury?

Unfortunately, Barack’s day in court didn’t last long. By the end of the first day, he and the rest of his panel were sent home without being selected for a case. While this might seem like a letdown, it’s not uncommon for high-profile figures to be dismissed from jury duty. George W. Bush and Bill Clinton both faced similar situations in the past. The reasoning is simple: impartiality is key in a courtroom, and having a former president on the jury could create unnecessary distractions and influence the rest of the jurors. Still, there’s always a chance he could return if needed, though it’s highly unlikely.

Barack Obama: The Highest-Ranking Official in Chicago’s Jury History

Even though he didn’t serve, Obama made history as the highest-ranking official ever to report for jury duty in Chicago. And boy, did it cause a stir! According to NBC 5 reporter Lauren Petty, the security lines were intense, and court employees gathered near the entrance just to catch a glimpse of the former president. Dressed casually in a black suit, white shirt, and no tie, Obama looked every bit the part of an ordinary citizen ready to do his part. It’s this kind of humility that makes him so relatable and respected.