In a historically significant day for American democracy, former President Donald Trump appeared in a Washington federal courthouse on Thursday for his arraignment on charges of 2020 election interference. Members of the public eagerly lined up outside the courthouse hours before the proceedings began, hoping to witness this pivotal moment in U.S. history.

Sam Arreaza, a 16-year-old aspiring political science and law student, waited in line with his mother for a spot in an overflow courtroom. He emphasized the importance of this first hearing in the Washington case, stating that it marked the beginning of justice. Arreaza, a resident of Ellicott City, Maryland, believed that the outcome of this trial would have significant implications for American democracy.

The courthouse where the arraignment took place is located about half a mile from the U.S. Capitol, where Trump supporters rioted on January 6, 2021, in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent Congress from certifying his defeat to President Joe Biden. With scores of media and onlookers present, the atmosphere outside the courthouse was tense, with a heavy police and Secret Service presence.

Despite the anticipation, the court only dedicated about 150 spots in two overflow courtrooms for members of the public to view the proceedings live on video. Television cameras for outside broadcast were not allowed in the courtroom, adding to the air of exclusivity surrounding the event.

Leah Krieger, a 23-year-old former political science student from Denver, happened to be in Washington on vacation when Trump was indicted and decided to attend the arraignment. Krieger expressed her belief that it was about time Trump faced charges for his involvement in the events of January 6, and she planned to closely follow the case as it progressed.

Outside the courthouse, there were supporters of Trump as well. A man wearing a "New York for Trump" cap arrived in an imitation black presidential limo adorned with American flags, expressing his support and love for the former president. Another man, Dion Cini, also from New York, arrived in the same vehicle, referring to it as the "MAGA beast," a nod to Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again." Cini expressed optimism, stating that Trump's popularity would likely rise as a result of the trial, despite the Democrats' belief that they were accomplishing something.

Inside the courtroom, before special counsel Jack Smith and the former president had entered, several federal judges took their seats among the public. Their presence underscored the extraordinary nature of the trial, as a former president faced federal felonies related to his attempts to overturn an election. Among the judges present were D.C. District Chief Judge James Boasberg and Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who had previously remarked that those who encouraged the January 6 rioters had fueled fear.

As the hearing's scheduled 4 p.m. start time passed, anticipation grew. Trump whispered with his lawyers, while Smith engaged in conversation. Eventually, at 4:17 p.m., Judge Moxila Upadhyaya entered the courtroom, and everyone rose. She proceeded to ask Trump basic questions, to which he responded confidently. When asked to enter a plea, he firmly stated, "Not guilty." Trump demonstrated a serious demeanor throughout the proceedings, maintaining eye contact with Judge Upadhyaya and attentively listening to the arguments presented by his attorneys and the prosecutor.

The special counsel informed the court that they were prepared to quickly provide a substantial amount of evidence and requested a speedy trial schedule. Trump's legal team, anticipating a massive amount of evidence, argued that they would need more time to prepare. Judge Upadhyaya, in consultation with another judge who would preside over the rest of the proceedings, scheduled the next hearing for August 28, during which an initial trial date would be set.

In a separate development, lawyer Stefanie Lambert Junttila, who supported Trump's attempts to overturn his election defeat, was charged in Michigan with illegally accessing voting machines. This occurred just hours before Trump's appearance in court in Washington, D.C. Junttila, along with other Trump allies, had sought to reverse Trump's defeat to President Biden in Michigan. Two other Michigan Republicans, Matt DePerno and Daire Rendon, were also charged in connection with the case. All three individuals were named in an investigation by Michigan's attorney general, Dana Nessel, into a scheme to access voting tabulators.

With Trump's indictment in Washington and the ongoing investigations in Michigan, it appears that the former president is facing increasing legal challenges.