Donald Trump election investigation: federal grand jury returns an indictment but defendant not identified

Former President Trump January 6th charges: 1. Conspiracy to defraud United States 2. Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding 3. Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct and official proceeding 4. Conspiracy against rights 

A judge agreed to seal the indictment returned by the grand jury hearing evidence in special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

There was no information given in court about the number of defendants or the identity of any defendant.

A new sealed criminal case appeared on the DC federal court docket, Reuters’ Brad Heath reports.

  • This could be Trump’s third indictment

Jon Donnison

Reporting from Washington DC

In a post on his Truth social media platform, former President Trump just said he expects to be indicted tonight.

He called it “another fake indictment” and an attempt to interfere in the 2024 presidential election campaign, being led by a “deranged” prosecutor.

There has been much speculation that an indictment over Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election and his role in the January 6 riot is imminent.

No other sitting or former US president has ever been indicted on criminal charges. For Donald Trump, this is potentially his third time. He’s already due to stand trial next year in two separate cases.

All the while, according to opinion polls, he remains the outstanding favourite to win the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election and he has repeatedly said he will run for the White House even if convicted and jailed.