Giuliani Among 11 to Plead Not Guilty in Arizona Election Case
Rudy Giuliani, ex-lawyer for former Pres. Donald Trump, and 10 other Republicans on Tuesday pleaded not guilty in a Maricopa County court to criminal charges related to an alleged plan to falsely certify that Trump won Arizona in the 2020 presidential election....
Facts
- Rudy Giuliani, ex-lawyer for former Pres. Donald Trump, and 10 other Republicans on Tuesday pleaded not guilty in a Maricopa County court to criminal charges related to an alleged plan to falsely certify that Trump won Arizona in the 2020 presidential election.1
- Democrat Joe Biden won the state by more than 10K votes.2
- Giuliani is accused of making false statements about Arizona officials' competence in counting votes and spreading false claims of election fraud. Prosecutors also claim he pressured Maricopa County officials and state legislators to change the outcome of the election.2
- In all, there are 18 defendants who've been charged over their false claims of voter fraud, including 11 individuals who falsely signed documents saying they were legitimate electors in the state and that Trump won.3
- Former Arizona GOP chair Kelli Ward and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows are among the other defendants. Trump isn't a defendant but is referred to as an 'unindicted co-conspirator' in the indictment.4
- Ward, who also pleaded not guilty Tuesday, is accused of organizing the false electors.4
Sources: 1The Arizona Republic, 2Associated Press, 3TheHill.com and 4CBS.
Narratives
- Anti-Trump narrative, as provided by Washington Post. The chickens are coming home to roost for Republicans nationwide who spread — and in some cases continue to spread — lies about the 2020 presidential election. There are now co-conspirators charged in four states, including Arizona. These people didn't just break the law, they sowed doubt about the legitimacy of elections and institutions, and it's important they face the consequences.
- Pro-Trump narrative, as provided by Breitbart. Cases like this one — which are happening across the country — are blatant election interference by those trying to stop Trump from returning to the presidency. Every American has First Amendment rights, including the right to object to election results. These cases should all be thrown out of court.
