In a new development surrounding the events of January 6, 2021, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Special Counsel Jack Smith has claimed that former President Donald Trump actively “sent” his supporters to the U.S. Capitol to obstruct the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. These claims were made in court documents filed on Tuesday, revealing evidence that Smith’s team intends to present during Trump’s upcoming trial, scheduled to begin on March 4.
According to Smith, the evidence of Trump’s alleged motive and intent on January 6 lies in his post-conspiracy embrace of particularly violent and notorious rioters, such as the Proud Boys. Smith argues that Trump knowingly sent angry supporters to the Capitol, whom he now refers to as “patriots,” with the criminal objective of obstructing the congressional certification. The documents also highlight Trump’s refusal to commit to a peaceful transition of power and his plan to interfere with the election result.
Furthermore, Smith plans to introduce evidence showcasing Trump’s alleged “plan of silencing” those who spoke out against his claims of a fraudulent election. The former president’s public criticism of officials like former Vice President Mike Pence is also seen as potentially inciting threats, harassment, and violence.
In response to these documents, Trump’s campaign has dismissed them as an act of desperation. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung criticized the inclusion of claims that were not present in the indictment and accused Biden, Smith, and others of interfering in the 2024 election.
Trump is facing charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. He has pleaded not guilty to all four federal charges.
The upcoming trial will shed further light on the events of January 6 and will determine whether Trump’s alleged actions played a significant role in inciting the Capitol riot. As the trial unfolds, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the political landscape and public perception of the former president.
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