Rudy Giuliani served with indictment by Arizona court
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Rudy Giuliani was served with an Arizona court indictment over his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state as he left his 80th birthday party.
The former New York City mayor, who spearheaded Donald Trump’s challenges to his defeat, had boasted on social media that he had successfully evaded Arizona’s court officials.
“If Arizona authorities can’t find me by tomorrow morning: 1. They must dismiss the indictment; 2. They must concede they can’t count votes,” he said on Friday.
However, the papers were served as he walked to his car after the party, which was being held in Palm Beach, Florida on Friday.
Kris Mayes, Arizona’s attorney general, who was being taunted by Mr Giuliani on social media, wasted little time in responding in kind.
“The final defendant was served moments ago. Rudy Giuliani nobody is above the law,” he said.
— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) May 18, 2024
Ted Goodman, Mr Giuliani’s spokesman, sought to downplay the incident.
“He was unfazed and enjoyed an incredible evening with hundreds of people, from all walks of life, who love and respect him for his contributions to society. We look forward to full vindication soon,” his spokesman, Ted Goodman, said.
Mr Giuliani is due to be arraigned in court on Tuesday.
He is among several Trump acolytes to have been indicted by the authorities in Arizona.
Former Trump lawyers Jenna Ellis, John Eastman and Christina Bobb have been charged, along with the erstwhile White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, with fraud, forgery and conspiracy.
The Arizona indictment is the latest legal headache faced by Mr Giuliani, who was once hailed as “America’s mayor” for his leadership in New York City after the terrorist attacks on Sept 11 2001.
Mr Giuliani was ridiculed when he announced a challenge to the election at a farcical press conference held outside a garden centre and sex shop in Philadelphia.
He is among 19 people, including Mr Trump, indicted in Georgia for their attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state.
His accusation that two Georgia election workers engaged in fraud, led to his declaring bankruptcy after they were awarded $148 million (£116.7 million) in libel damages.
Mr Giuliani was also disbarred by the New York State Bar Association for his explosive remarks on Jan 6, shortly before Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, when he called for them to engage in “trial by combat”.
