What Time Is Trump’s Arraignment? What to Know About First Jan. 6 Hearing

Former president Trump has been summoned to appear in person at the first court hearing of the Department of Justice’s investigation into the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Federal prosecutors have charged him with four counts related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The hearing is scheduled for 4:00 PM EST at Prettyman Courthouse in the Federal Capitol.

Trump’s hearing for preparation in the Capitol Police and D.C. Police, with their collaboration, has been indicated by the Secret Service. Anthony Guglielmi, Chief Communications Officer of the Secret Service, stated on Wednesday in a statement that the unit intends to “ensure” the highest levels of security and safety for the former president while minimizing disruptions to the normal court process.

Workers on Wednesday set up security barricades in Washington, D.C., ahead of the arraignment of former President Donald Trump, who’s expected to appear in court at 4 p.m. Thursday for the first hearing in his January 6 riot case. STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty

In the statement, Guglielmi expressed confidence in the dedication and commitment to security of all our law enforcement and government partners, while the Secret Service refrains from commenting on specific protective measures or techniques. The platform, formerly referred to as Twitter, was shared to “X.”

After Trump’s first court appearance, the case has already been assigned to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was appointed by Obama. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhaya will verbally present the charges to Trump and his lawyers at Thursday’s hearing.

It is likely that during the typical federal criminal proceedings, audio recording and camera equipment will not be permitted inside the courtroom. However, April was briefly allowed in the New York City court before his initial hearing, but he was also barred from the arraignment in Miami, Florida earlier this summer.

Trump is expected to enter a plea of not guilty on Thursday, similar to his previous two arraignments. The former president has maintained his innocence against the allegations made against him. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has stated that the latest charges against him are an attempt to interfere with his 2024 reelection bid. The DOJ has also stated that they are attempting to interfere with him and bring charges against him.

Prosecutors allege that on January 6, 2021, violence “exploited” ensued at the U.S. Capitol, where the proceedings took place, and Trump and his allies attempted to interfere with the certification of the Electoral College vote.

The former president’s campaign team stated on Tuesday night that President Trump will secure another term in the White House to rescue our Nation from the mistreatment, ineptitude, and dishonesty that permeates our Nation at unprecedented levels. They expressed confidence that these unpatriotic investigations will be unsuccessful, emphasizing that President Trump has consistently adhered to the law and the Constitution, seeking guidance from numerous exceptionally skilled lawyers.