Phoenix, Arizona – A state grand jury in Arizona delivered indictments against individuals known as “fake electors” who supported then-President Donald Trump in 2020. The indictments also targeted key Trump aides as part of an extensive investigation into alleged attempts to overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the state’s presidential election.

One particular incident involved 11 Trump supporters gathering at the Arizona GOP’s headquarters in Phoenix a month after the 2020 election. They signed a certificate claiming to be Arizona’s 11 electors to the Electoral College, despite Biden winning the state by over 10,000 votes and the state officials certifying his electors. The state Republican Party publicized the signing of the certificate on social media and sent it to Congress and the National Archives.

Among those charged were individuals like Kelli Ward, who chaired the Arizona GOP during the 2020 election and immediately afterward. Ward was known for propagating false claims about the election results in Arizona being rigged. Other individuals facing charges included state legislators, Republican Party officials, and Trump-aligned figures.

The indictment referred to Trump as “Unindicted Coconspirator 1” and mentioned redacted names of others charged in the case. Individuals like Mark Meadows and Mike Roman were believed to be among those named. Additionally, attorney Kenneth Chesebro, who pleaded guilty in Georgia to conspiracy charges related to Trump, was described as an unindicted coconspirator in the indictment.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, leading the investigation, emphasized the importance of upholding American democracy. The state charges are part of a series of legal actions stemming from Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election results as he sought re-election in 2024.

The attempt to use “alternate electors” in various states, including Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and Michigan, to sway the election outcome has resulted in legal repercussions for those involved. Trump supporters, like legal adviser John Eastman, argued for Pence to declare Trump the election winner based on the existence of these alternate electors.

Mayes’ tenure as Arizona attorney general has been defined by cases related to election integrity, particularly in response to Trump’s false claims of fraud. Last fall, she pressed charges against officials who delayed certifying election results in Cochise County due to baseless accusations questioning the election’s validity.

Overall, the indictments in Arizona shed light on the ongoing legal battles following the 2020 election and underscore the importance of upholding democratic processes in the face of attempts to undermine them.