Trump pleads not guilty on Jan. 6 charges, calls it 'sad day for America’
Trump is accused of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts after being charged in connection with his alleged attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election.
The new 45-page federal indictment, unsealed Tuesday, accuses Trump of four felony counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
It's the third time that Trump has been indicted on criminal charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the two other cases, decrying the investigations as political witch hunts. He continues to insist that the 2020 vote was rigged and, speaking to ABC News on Tuesday, described the latest charges as a "pile-on" and "election interference."
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Trump back at Bedminster club
Former President Donald Trump is back at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club following his arraignment in Washington, D.C.
Trump: 'This is a very sad day for America'
Former President Donald Trump spoke briefly at Reagan National Airport after leaving the D.C. District Court.
"This is a very sad day for America," he said before boarding his plane.
"This is a persecution of a political opponent," he added.
Special prosecutor asks for a speedy trial while Trump legal team objects
Special prosecutor Tom Windom approached the bench and requested a speedy trial.
"This case will benefit from normal order including a speedy trial," Windom said.
But the defense said it needs ample opportunity to review a massive amount of evidence to be entered by the government.
Defense attorney John Lauro told the judge they need an "understanding" from the government about the "magnitude of discovery," including electronic data and documents.
The judge responded to Windom by saying the court would ensure a "fair trial" without elaborating.
"There will be a fair process and a fair trial in this court," the judge said. "I am certain of that."
Still, Lauro continued to raise issues, saying of special counsel Jack Smith: "They've had 3 1/2 years to investigate this matter, and also there's a number of agents and lawyers that are assisting the government in this proceeding, and all we would ask is the opportunity to fairly defend our client, but in order to do that we're going to need a little time."
The judge told Lauro to raise any concerns with the district judge overseeing the trial.
-ABC News' Soorin Kim and Mike Levine
Trump has left the courtroom
The arraignment hearing has ended. Former President Donald Trump and his team have left the courtroom.
-ABC News' Mike Levine
Security preparations underway at DC courthouse
Security preparations are underway at Washington, D.C., District Court ahead of former President Donald Trump's Thursday afternoon appearance.
Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies on Wednesday conducted a walkthrough of the courthouse, including the courtroom where Trump will be appearing.
Trump is expected to appear in person before Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement, "While the Secret Service does not comment on specific protective means or methods, we have the utmost confidence in the dedication and commitment to security shared by all of our law enforcement and government partners."
"We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Capitol Police and the Federal Protective Service to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for the former president, while minimizing disruptions to the normal court process," Guglielmi said.