Former President Donald Trump entered a plea of not guilty in federal court in Washington, DC, facing four criminal charges connected to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, which culminated in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
During the court proceedings, Trump maintained his innocence, addressing Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya.
The court has scheduled another hearing for August 28, mandating Trump’s presence in compliance with the court’s order.
The charges against Trump include conspiring to undermine the country, obstructing government functions, and violating citizens’ rights through an attempted coup, all tied to the violence that unfolded in the Capitol building on January 6.
Special Counsel Jack Smith lodged a 45-page indictment, with two of the charges carrying the possibility of a prison sentence of up to 20 years and up to 10 years for encroaching on citizens’ rights.
Federal District Judge Tanya Chutkan will oversee the case moving forward.
Following the courthouse proceedings, Trump spoke to reporters on the tarmac before departing for New Jersey. He criticized the charges, denouncing the indictment as “persecution of a political opponent” and expressing his belief that it marked “a very sad day for America.” This marked his first public statement since the indictment on Tuesday.
This signifies Trump’s third arrest within the past four months.
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