TL/DR –
Rudy Giuliani has been served with a court summons in relation to charges stemming from an effort to keep Donald Trump in office after the 2020 election loss. A grand jury issued an indictment against Giuliani and 17 others three weeks ago, accusing them of preventing the lawful transfer of the U.S. presidency, keeping Trump in office against the will of Arizona voters, and depriving Arizona voters of their right to vote and have their votes counted. The charges also include disseminating misinformation about the election and pressuring elected officials to change the election outcome.
Rudy Giuliani Summoned for Arizona Court Appearance
Rudy Giuliani received a court appearance summons on Friday in response to charges linked to efforts to keep Donald Trump in office despite his 2020 election loss, as informed by Attorney General Kris Mayes.
Over three weeks ago, an indictment was issued against Giuliani and 17 others. Giuliani was the last to receive his summons due to difficulties in reaching him.
After two unsuccessful days of trying to serve Giuliani in New York City, agents from Mayes’ office finally served him on Friday as he was leaving his birthday party in Florida, said Richie Taylor, a spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office.
“The final defendant was served moments ago,” Mayes announced on social media site X on Friday night. This is the first time prosecutors have formally named Giuliani, as he had not been previously served.
Just before being contacted by Mayes’ agents, Giuliani posted a taunting message on X about his avoidance of being served, which was later deleted.
The indictment alleges Giuliani’s actions in Arizona after the 2020 election included spreading misinformation, pressuring officials to change election results, and encouraging Republican electors to declare Trump the winner. Giuliani is expected in court on Tuesday for his arraignment, according to Taylor.
Charges and Next Steps in Fake Electors Case
The 58-page indictment alleges that Giuliani and a group of Arizona Republicans and Trump aides engaged in a conspiracy aimed at “preventing the lawful transfer of the presidency.”
The defendants face multiple felony counts including conspiracy, forgery, and fraud, which could lead to prison time. However, less severe penalties, such as probation, may be applied depending on a defendant’s circumstances.
Former Trump attorney John Eastman was the first to appear in a Maricopa County courtroom and pleaded not guilty. Most of the other defendants are expected to appear in court next week, alongside Giuliani, or be arraigned virtually.
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