Top Democrat lawmakers say Trump Jan. 6 indictment is 'the most serious and the most consequential'

Top Democrat lawmakers called the latest indictment of former President Donald Trump resulting from Special Counsel Jack Smith's probe into the Capitol riot "the most serious and most consequential thus far."

On Tuesday, Trump was indicted on four federal charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. issued a joint statement Tuesday evening, saying the indictment details "a months-long criminal plot led by the former president to defy democracy."

"The insurrection on January 6, 2021 was one of the saddest and most infamous days in American history, personally orchestrated by Donald Trump and fueled by his insidious Big Lie in an attempt to undermine the 2020 election," the lawmakers stated.