ARIZONA, USA — The Washington Post reports that the Arizona Attorney General’s Office has delegated a team of prosecutors to investigate the so-called “fake electors” of 2020.
Eleven Arizona Republicans signed a document representing a nonexistent organization and declared, “We are the electors who represent the legal voters of Arizona.” It was part of a scheme by the Trump campaign to organize phony electors in seven states.
Attorney General Kris Mayes vowed to look into the matter. According to the Post, prosecutors have contacted many people involved and their lawyers. Investigators are in the “fact-gathering” phase.
The “fake electors” under investigation include two lawmakers, Arizona State Senators Anthony Kern of Glendale and Jake Hoffman of Queen Creek. Tyler Bowyer of the far-right activist group Turning Point USA and then-state GOP Chair Kelli Ward also signed their name to the document.
Hoffman has defended his role in the scheme, saying he felt it was appropriate to provide Congress and the Vice President “dueling opinions.”
A top attorney for Mayes told the Post that the case would have to be “ironclad shut” if prosecutors were to proceed with charges.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.