Judge Addresses 'Death Penalty' Rumors as Trump Pleads Not Guilty

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony charges in connection with his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, culminating in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, during Thursday's arraignment in Washington, D.C.

Special counsel Jack Smith announced the indictment on Tuesday, charging Trump with 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. The last charge refers to an effort to "injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate" people in regard to their constitutional rights. In this case, rights refers to the right to have one's vote fairly counted.

Despite rumors that Trump could face the death penalty, Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya clarified during the arraignment that the maximum penalty for the charge of conspiracy against rights is 10 years.