This story was updated at 11:44 a.m.
Former President Donald Trump on Thursday pleaded not guilty to 13 felony counts in Georgia related to efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 election result.
Trump also waived his right to an arraignment, meaning he will not return to Atlanta next week for a scheduled Sept. 6 hearing.
“I have discussed the charges in the indictment and this waiver of appearance at arraignment with my attorney Steven H. Sadow, and I fully understand the nature of the offenses charged and my right to appear at arraignment,” a filing signed by Trump read. “Understanding my rights, I do hereby freely and voluntarily waive my right to be present at my arraignment on the indictment and my right to have it read to me in open court.”
A Fulton County grand jury indicted Trump and a group of 18 lawyers, operatives and campaign allies on Aug. 14, kicking off what could be one of the most significant criminal cases in U.S. history. The Republican surrendered at the Fulton County Jail on Aug. 21 and was released on bond. All 18 others in the wide-reaching criminal case have also turned themselves in and are due in court for the Sept. 6 arraignment, barring them choosing to waive that right.
