According to Special Counsel Jack Smith, the DOJ will push for a “speedy trial” in the most recent case against former President Trump on allegations from January 6.
In connection with the riots that occurred on January 6, Trump was charged by a grand jury in Washington, DC, this week with four counts, which include conspiracy aimed at defrauding the U.S., conspiracy to hinder an official proceeding, interference and the attempt to hinder an official proceeding, as well as conspiracy against rights.
Immediately following the unsealing of Trump’s indictment, Smith addressed the media and alleged that the Capitol riots were “fueled by lies” and that they were “an unthinkable assault on the heart of American democracy.”
“Lies from the defendant was aimed at obstructing a fundamental function of the U.S. government, a country’s process of gathering, counting, and verifying the outcome of the presidential election,” Smith said.
Smith referred to the police officers who “defended the United States Capitol” on January 6th as “heroes.”
“They are the finest of us; they are patriots. They didn’t simply protect the individuals within the building or the structure itself. They risk their lives to uphold the values of our nation and people. They stood up for the fundamental institutions and values that make the United States unique,” Smith said.
The four-count indictment of Trump, according to Smith, is in line with the DOJ’s objective to ensure “accountability of those criminally responsible for the events that occurred that day.”
According to Smith, his team is still looking into “other individuals” in relation to January 6.
The Trump campaign denounced the indictment in a statement issued immediately before it was made public, calling it “the most recent corrupt chapter in the ongoing pathetic attempt by the Biden Crime Family as well as their weaponized Dept. of Justice to interfere with the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.”
The DOJ’s “evidence can be examined in court and decided by a jury of citizens,” Smith continued, adding that he intends to ask for a “speedy trial” to guarantee this happens.
He did, though, issue a warning, stating that the indictment “is only an accusation which means the defendant will be presumed innocent up until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt within a court of law.”
Smith continued by thanking the FBI employees who were assisting his team as well as the “career prosecutors and the law enforcement agents” from all throughout the country who had contributed to earlier January 6 investigations.
“It is an honor to work with these ladies and men because they are public servants of the greatest kind,” Smith said.
