Topline
The Fulton County Clerk of Courts said it accidentally published a document Monday listing charges against former President Donald Trump, prompting reports that he had been indicted—an explanation that puts an end to speculation about how the document appeared online hours before charges were formally announced.
Media camps out in front of the Fulton County Courthouse on August 14, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. The … [+] heightened security was in place as Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was expected to announce a grand jury indictment in her investigation into former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election in the state. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Key Facts
The clerk of courts in Fulton County, Georgia, said in a statement Tuesday that the clerk’s office was conducting a “trial run” to “test the system” when the document was accidentally published.
The publication of the “sample working document led to the docketing of what appeared to be an indictment,” the clerk said.
Publication of the document—which listed Trump as a defendant, along with 13 charges against him that match those in the actual indictment, including racketeering—sparked widespread confusion among members of the media Monday when Reuters spotted it posted online.
The clerk quickly removed the document and said in a subsequent statement on Monday that it was a “fictitious” document, but failed to explain how the document was published.
Crucial Quote
“The Office understands the confusion this matter caused and the sensitivity of all court filings,” the statement says. “We remain committed to operating with an extreme level of efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.”
Key Background
Trump was indicted late Monday by the Fulton County District Attorney’s office for 13 felonies related to a scheme he and 18 co-defendants are accused of executing in order to shift the results of the 2020 presidential election in his favor and create false evidence of fraud. Each of the defendants was charged with racketeering, and Trump also faces charges of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer, filing false documents and conspiracy to commit forgery, among other charges. The indictment marks Trump’s fourth since he announced his latest campaign for president, amounting to 91 total charges against him. The Georgia case is widely considered to be the most consequential indictment against him, given his inability to pardon himself if he’s convicted and elected, along with the seriousness and complex nature of the RICO charge.
Further Reading
Trump Indicted By Fulton County Grand Jury In Georgia Election Interference Case (Forbes)
