Justice Department Investigating Fulton County Jail After Death of Pretrial Detainee and Possible Waiver of Arraignment Appearance by Former President Trump

The Justice Department is currently investigating the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia, which has recently gained media attention as the site where former President Donald Trump and 18 other co-defendants were booked and released in the Georgia election interference case. Several of the co-defendants have already waived their formal arraignments and entered not guilty pleas, excusing them from appearing in person.

On Saturday, a pretrial detainee at the Fulton County Jail died four days after filing a complaint accusing deputies of excessive force. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office did not provide comment, but the inmate is listed as deceased on the county’s online inmate database.

Trump is considering waiving his arraignment appearance, which is scheduled for the morning of Sept. 6, according to two sources familiar with his plans. Instead, a defendant’s attorney would enter a not guilty plea in writing. Fulton County Superior Court allows defendants to appear virtually for arraignments or waive their right to appear at all.

The investigation into the Fulton County Jail is ongoing, and the death of the pretrial detainee has raised further questions about the conditions of the facility. It remains to be seen whether or not Trump will waive his arraignment appearance and enter a not guilty plea in writing.