This marks the third criminal indictment of the 77-year-old former president since March. The charges against him include three counts of conspiracy and one count of obstruction.
Special counsel Jack Smith brought forth the indictment, accusing Trump of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. Specifically, the indictment pertains to his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021 joint session of Congress, where the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory was being conducted.
The indictment lays out how Trump repeatedly made false claims to his supporters and others, asserting that he had won the election, despite knowing the contrary. Moreover, it details his efforts to convince state officials, his own vice president, and ultimately Congress to overturn the legitimate election results.
The indictment attributes the violent attack on the Capitol, which halted the congressional proceeding, to the “dishonesty, fraud, and deceit” exhibited by Trump and some of his closest allies. As a result of their actions, his supporters violently stormed the Capitol, causing harm to police officers and breaching windows and doors, leading to lawmakers fleeing for their safety.
Here is the full text of indictment charges