Donald Trump, a former US president, stated on Tuesday that he anticipates facing charges related to the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
Such an indictment is believed to escalate his legal challenges as he embarks on another White House bid.
Already considered the most prominent candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Trump is currently under the weight of criminal charges filed by special counsel Jack Smith. These charges stem from his alleged mishandling of top-secret government documents upon leaving office.
Trump stated that he was informed on Sunday by a letter from Smith that he is now a target of the investigation into the January 6, 2021 occurrence.
This was when his supporters stormed Congress in an effort to hinder the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.
‘Deranged Jack Smith, the prosecutor with Joe Biden’s DOJ, sent a letter… stating that I am a TARGET of the January 6 Grand Jury investigation,’ Trump said wrote on his Truth Social platform.
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The 77-year-old Trump said he was given four days to report to a grand jury, ‘which almost always means an Arrest and Indictment.’
‘This witch hunt is all about election interference and a complete and total political weaponisation of law enforcement,’ he stated. ‘It is a very sad and dark period for our Nation!’
The exact charges that may be brought against Trump are not immediately apparent, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that receiving a target letter doesn’t always lead to an indictment.
Prior to the Capitol attack, Trump delivered a passionate speech in the vicinity, urging the crowd to ‘fight like hell.’ Following this, Smith has undertaken months of investigation to examine January 6 and Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
As per an advisor who chose to remain anonymous, Trump is said to be planning to reject the request to appear before the January 6 grand jury, even though several individuals close to him have already provided testimonies.
The number of arrests has surpassed 1,000, as these individuals are accused of participating in an insurrection, allegedly aiming to keep Trump in the White House, according to prosecutors.
Among the arrestees, most are accused of charges related to unauthorized entry into the Capitol or causing damage to property, while around 350 individuals are facing charges of assaulting law enforcement officers or resisting arrest.
Convictions for seditious conspiracy have been handed down to various individuals, including those affiliated with the far-right Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.