An Arizona grand jury handed down indictments on Wednesday, targeting former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, and five other former aides of Donald Trump, among others, in connection with actions surrounding the 2020 election. The charges, including conspiracy, fraud, and forgery, also implicate Trump as an “unindicted co-conspirator.”
In addition to the high-profile figures, eleven Arizona Republicans who served as alternate electors, including former Arizona GOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward and state senators Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern, are also facing indictment. Prosecutors, often labeled as leftist by critics, have pursued similar charges in Michigan and Nevada, alleging felony forgery and fraud against alternate electors.
The 58-page indictment accuses the defendants of scheming to thwart the lawful transfer of power, aiming to keep Trump in office despite the will of Arizona’s voters. In total, 18 Arizona Republicans and allies of Trump have been indicted, with former Trump attorney Mayes, who narrowly won an election in 2022 amid “machine issues,” announcing the indictments in a video statement.
Mayes emphasized the importance of upholding American democracy and ensuring the integrity of elections. Referring to the process of convening alternate electors as a “scheme,” she asserted that it would have nullified the votes of Arizona citizens and undermined their right to choose their president.
Stephen Miller, founder of America First Legal, criticized the indictment, questioning why Republican prosecutors have not taken action in response. He accused Democrats of pursuing a “ruthless lawfare campaign” against political opponents and expressed concern about the GOP’s response to such challenges.
If convicted, the defendants could face lengthy prison sentences. The situation continues to unfold.
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