Illinois has decided to let ex-President Donald Trump remain on the state's presidential primary ballot.&nbsp;Dismissing claims of Trump's ineligibility under the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause, the Illinois State Board of Elections unanimously voted to let Trump stay on the ballot.

<h2>Lack of authority</h2>

The bipartisan board, made up of eight members, said it didn't have the authority to decide on the challenge.&nbsp;

The lawsuit accused Trump of trying to overturn the 2020 election and inciting the Capitol attack on January 6. Trump and his lawyers have denied the allegation and argue that he didn't engage in insurrection.

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"Trump did not engage in insurrection, as that term is used in the Constitution," said Trump's attorney Adam Merrill on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"It is a complicated legal term that has been rarely interpreted and it wasn't even articulated correctly by the hearing officer in this case and, frankly, never should have reached it because of the lack of evidence, and because of the lack of jurisdiction," he added.

<h2>Disappointment and Celebration</h2>

The group Free Speech for the People, representing the voters, expressed disappointment and plans to appeal. They said that the courts would show "why Illinois law authorises that ruling despite Trump's subjective belief that the Constitution doesn’t apply to him."

Celebrating the decision, Trump said the board's ruling was "protecting the Citizens of our Country from the Radical Left Lunatics who are trying to destroy it."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-appeals-maines-biased-decision-makers-presidential-primary-ballot-ban-676039">Donald Trump appeals Maine's 'biased' decision maker's presidential primary ballot ban</a>

The decision comes just a week before the US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on February 8 regarding a similar challenge to Trump in Colorado. The Colorado Supreme Court had ruled Trump ineligible for their primary under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

Dozens of similar challenges have been considered by courts across the US. To date, only the Colorado Supreme Court and Maine's secretary of state have ruled that Trump was ineligible to participate in their primary process.

(With inputs from agencies)

Illinois has decided to let ex-President Donald Trump remain on the state's presidential primary ballot. Dismissing claims of Trump's ineligibility under the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause, the Illinois State Board of Elections unanimously voted to let Trump stay on the ballot.

Illinois has decided to let ex-President Donald Trump remain on the state's presidential primary ballot. Dismissing claims of Trump's ineligibility under the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause, the Illinois State Board of Elections unanimously voted to let Trump stay on the ballot. Lack of authority The bipartisan board, made up of eight members, said it didn't have the authority to decide on the challenge. The lawsuit accused Trump of trying to overturn the 2020 election and inciting the Capitol attack on January 6. Trump and his lawyers have denied the allegation and argue that he didn't engage in insurrection. Also read | After Judge cancels $56 bn Tesla pay package, Musk warns 'never incorporate' companies in Delaware "Trump did not engage in insurrection, as that term is used in the Constitution," said Trump's attorney Adam Merrill on Tuesday. "It is a complicated legal term that has been rarely interpreted and it wasn't even articulated correctly by the hearing officer in this case and, frankly, never should have reached it because of the lack of evidence, and because of the lack of jurisdiction," he added. Disappointment and Celebration The group Free Speech for the People, representing the voters, expressed disappointment and plans to appeal. They said that the courts would show "why Illinois law authorises that ruling despite Trump's subjective belief that the Constitution doesn’t apply to him." Celebrating the decision, Trump said the board's ruling was "protecting the Citizens of our Country from the Radical Left Lunatics who are trying to destroy it." Also read | Donald Trump appeals Maine's 'biased' decision maker's presidential primary ballot ban The decision comes just a week before the US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on February 8 regarding a similar challenge to Trump in Colorado. The Colorado Supreme Court had ruled Trump ineligible for their primary under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Dozens of similar challenges have been considered by courts across the US. To date, only the Colorado Supreme Court and Maine's secretary of state have ruled that Trump was ineligible to participate in their primary process. (With inputs from agencies)

Illinois board allows Trump to remain on state's Presidential primary ballot

Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government.

Supposedly downplaying his role in the Jan 6 Capitol Hill siege, Donald Trump, on the third anniversary of the riots, demanded that the Biden administration free those prosecuted for storming the government building in 2021.

Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa on Saturday (Jan 6), Trump called those jailed over charges relating to the attack "hostages" and alleged the government had mistreated them.

<h2>Illinois loyalty oath</h2>

In the US state of Illinois, there's a ballot tradition, whereby candidates pledge against advocating the overthrow of the government.

The loyalty oath is a time-honoured part of the election process in the state. However, it was missing from Trump's package of ballot-access paperwork&nbsp;the Republican submitted on Thursday (Jan 4), reports WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times.

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Condemning Trump, Biden's campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler in a statement on Saturday said: "For the entirety of our nation's history, presidents have put their hand on the Bible and sworn to protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States—and Donald Trump can't bring himself to sign a piece of paper saying he won't attempt a coup to overthrow our government."

"We know he's deadly serious because three years ago today he tried and failed to do exactly that."

As per the Guardian, Trump signed this voluntary oath in his previous presidential runs — 2016 and 2020.

"This is the same man who thinks American troops who died protecting the ideals outlined in the Constitution are suckers and losers – yet calls the convicted felons who violently assaulted and killed police officers on January 6th 'hostages'. He can't fathom putting anything – our country, our principles, or the wellbeing and safety of the American people – above his own quest for retribution and power," remarked Tyler.

Responding to Tyler's statement, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said: "President Trump will once again take the oath of office on January 20th, 2025, and will swear 'to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.'"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-to-rule-if-trump-can-run-for-president-in-2024-677031">US Supreme Court to rule if Trump can run for president in 2024</a>

Incumbent Joe Biden and another major Republican candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have both signed the loyalty oath.

<h2>'Hostage' rioters</h2>

Calling those jailed in the wake of the Jan 6 attack on Capitol Hill 'hostages', Trump during a campaign event in Clinton, Iowa, argued that they should be freed.

"They've suffered enough," he said, adding, "I call them hostages. Some people call them prisoners."

"I got indicted because I challenged the crooked election," said the ex-president, who continues to claim that his 2020 election loss to Biden was the result of "fraud".

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government.

Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government. Supposedly downplaying his role in the Jan 6 Capitol Hill siege, Donald Trump, on the third anniversary of the riots, demanded that the Biden administration free those prosecuted for storming the government building in 2021. Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa on Saturday (Jan 6), Trump called those jailed over charges relating to the attack "hostages" and alleged the government had mistreated them. Illinois loyalty oath In the US state of Illinois, there's a ballot tradition, whereby candidates pledge against advocating the overthrow of the government. The loyalty oath is a time-honoured part of the election process in the state. However, it was missing from Trump's package of ballot-access paperwork the Republican submitted on Thursday (Jan 4), reports WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times. Also read | Trump faces $370 million in penalty demand to New York state in civil fraud case Condemning Trump, Biden's campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler in a statement on Saturday said: "For the entirety of our nation's history, presidents have put their hand on the Bible and sworn to protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States—and Donald Trump can't bring himself to sign a piece of paper saying he won't attempt a coup to overthrow our government." "We know he's deadly serious because three years ago today he tried and failed to do exactly that." As per the Guardian, Trump signed this voluntary oath in his previous presidential runs — 2016 and 2020. "This is the same man who thinks American troops who died protecting the ideals outlined in the Constitution are suckers and losers – yet calls the convicted felons who violently assaulted and killed police officers on January 6th 'hostages'. He can't fathom putting anything – our country, our principles, or the wellbeing and safety of the American people – above his own quest for retribution and power," remarked Tyler. Responding to Tyler's statement, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said: "President Trump will once again take the oath of office on January 20th, 2025, and will swear 'to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.'" Also read | US Supreme Court to rule if Trump can run for president in 2024 Incumbent Joe Biden and another major Republican candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have both signed the loyalty oath. 'Hostage' rioters Calling those jailed in the wake of the Jan 6 attack on Capitol Hill 'hostages', Trump during a campaign event in Clinton, Iowa, argued that they should be freed. "They've suffered enough," he said, adding, "I call them hostages. Some people call them prisoners." "I got indicted because I challenged the crooked election," said the ex-president, who continues to claim that his 2020 election loss to Biden was the result of "fraud". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump calls Jan 6 rioters 'hostages,' skips signing Illinois loyalty oath promising to not overthrow govt

Donald Trump, the former US president, on Wednesday (Jan 3rd) appealed to the country's highest court to lift a Colorado state ban that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in the western US state.

This overture to the US Supreme Court comes just a day after the Republican candidate filed an appeal with the Maine Superior Court against a similar decision.

<h2>Toss out the ban</h2>

In a 43-page filing, attorneys for Trump asked the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court to "summarily reverse the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling."

They claim that if the ruling is allowed to stand, it "will mark the first time in the history of the United States that the judiciary has prevented voters from casting ballots for the leading major-party presidential candidate."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-appeals-maines-biased-decision-makers-presidential-primary-ballot-ban-676039">Donald Trump appeals Maine's 'biased' decision maker's presidential primary ballot ban</a>

The appeal further states that "The question of eligibility to serve as President of the United States is properly reserved for Congress, not the state courts, to consider and decide."

Previously, on Tuesday (Jan 2nd) Trump urged the Maine Superior Court to toss out a similar ban by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.&nbsp;In her decision, Bellows said that the January 6 Capitol attack "occurred at the behest of, and with the knowledge and support of, the outgoing president," as quoted by AFP.

Calling Bellows, a Democrat, a "biased decision maker," he alleged that she "acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner."

<h2>Two strikes against Trump</h2>

Last week, Maine became the second US state to bar Trump from appearing on the presidential primary ballot over his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by his supporters. Before that, on December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is ineligible to appear on the presidential primary ballot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-a-weak-and-feeble-man-who-could-end-american-democracy-as-we-know-it-warn-his-former-staff-675547">Trump ‘a weak and feeble man’ who could ‘end American democracy as we know it,’ warn his former staffers</a>

The western state had invoked the 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause" which the state's supreme court said was violated by Donald Trump.

Section Three of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution bars anyone from holding public office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after once pledging to support and defend the Constitution.

Trump also faces similar 14th Amendment challenges questioning his&nbsp;eligibility in other US states. Recently, California, Minnesota, and Michigan ruled that the Republican leader should stay on their ballots.

<h2>Four Minnesota GOP candidates endorse Trump for US President</h2>

On Wednesday (Jan 3) Representative Tom Emmer, a Republican, currently serving as US House Majority Whip, endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential race.&nbsp;

In a statement, he said that the endorsement was in part because Trump is the Republican party's "clear frontrunner".

"Democrats have made clear they will use every tool in their arsenal to try and keep Joe Biden and his failed policies in power. We cannot let them," said Emmer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-support-remains-resilient-while-one-in-three-americans-question-bidens-win-poll-676189">Trump's support remains resilient, while one in three Americans now question Biden's 2020 win: Poll</a>

"It's time for Republicans to unite behind our party's clear frontrunner, which is why I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President," he added.

As per CBS News, Emmer was joined by three other Republican Party members of Minnesota's congressional delegation: Representatives Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber, who said that Trump "has what it takes to get our country back on track".

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, the former US president, on Wednesday (Jan 3rd) appealed to the country's highest court to lift a Colorado state ban that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in the western US state.

Donald Trump, the former US president, on Wednesday (Jan 3rd) appealed to the country's highest court to lift a Colorado state ban that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in the western US state. This overture to the US Supreme Court comes just a day after the Republican candidate filed an appeal with the Maine Superior Court against a similar decision. Toss out the ban In a 43-page filing, attorneys for Trump asked the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court to "summarily reverse the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling." They claim that if the ruling is allowed to stand, it "will mark the first time in the history of the United States that the judiciary has prevented voters from casting ballots for the leading major-party presidential candidate." Also read | Donald Trump appeals Maine's 'biased' decision maker's presidential primary ballot ban The appeal further states that "The question of eligibility to serve as President of the United States is properly reserved for Congress, not the state courts, to consider and decide." Previously, on Tuesday (Jan 2nd) Trump urged the Maine Superior Court to toss out a similar ban by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. In her decision, Bellows said that the January 6 Capitol attack "occurred at the behest of, and with the knowledge and support of, the outgoing president," as quoted by AFP. Calling Bellows, a Democrat, a "biased decision maker," he alleged that she "acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner." Two strikes against Trump Last week, Maine became the second US state to bar Trump from appearing on the presidential primary ballot over his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by his supporters. Before that, on December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is ineligible to appear on the presidential primary ballot. Also read | Trump ‘a weak and feeble man’ who could ‘end American democracy as we know it,’ warn his former staffers The western state had invoked the 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause" which the state's supreme court said was violated by Donald Trump. Section Three of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution bars anyone from holding public office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after once pledging to support and defend the Constitution. Trump also faces similar 14th Amendment challenges questioning his eligibility in other US states. Recently, California, Minnesota, and Michigan ruled that the Republican leader should stay on their ballots. Four Minnesota GOP candidates endorse Trump for US President On Wednesday (Jan 3) Representative Tom Emmer, a Republican, currently serving as US House Majority Whip, endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential race. In a statement, he said that the endorsement was in part because Trump is the Republican party's "clear frontrunner". "Democrats have made clear they will use every tool in their arsenal to try and keep Joe Biden and his failed policies in power. We cannot let them," said Emmer. Also read | Trump's support remains resilient, while one in three Americans now question Biden's 2020 win: Poll "It's time for Republicans to unite behind our party's clear frontrunner, which is why I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President," he added. As per CBS News, Emmer was joined by three other Republican Party members of Minnesota's congressional delegation: Representatives Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber, who said that Trump "has what it takes to get our country back on track". (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump urges US Supreme Court to 'summarily reverse' Colorado presidential primary ballot ban

Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday filed an appeal against a ruling that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in Maine.

Calling Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows a "biased decision maker", Trump's attorneys asked the Maine Superior Court to toss out the ruling. They alleged that the top election official, a Democrat, "acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner."

<h2>Two strikes against Trump</h2>

Last week, Maine became the second US state to bar Trump from appearing on the presidential primary ballot over his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by his supporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-a-weak-and-feeble-man-who-could-end-american-democracy-as-we-know-it-warn-his-former-staff-675547">Trump ‘a weak and feeble man’ who could ‘end American democracy as we know it,’ warn his former staffers</a>

Bellows in her decision said that the January 6 Capitol attack "occurred at the behest of, and with the knowledge and support of, the outgoing president."

"The US Constitution does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our government and (the Maine law) requires me to act in response," she added, as quoted by AFP.

"Given the compressed timeframe, the novel constitutional questions involved, the importance of this case, and impending ballot preparation deadlines, I will suspend the effect of my decision until the Superior Court rules on any appeal, or the time to appeal …has expired," wrote Bellows&nbsp;in her decision.

Before Maine, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is ineligible to appear on the presidential primary ballot. The western state had invoked the 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause" which the state's supreme court said was violated by Trump.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-escapes-strike-three-california-skips-his-removal-from-presidential-primary-ballot-674740">California decides to keep Donald Trump on GOP presidential primary ballot</a>

Section Three of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution bars anyone from holding public office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after once pledging to support and defend the Constitution.

Similar 14th Amendment challenges questioning Trump's eligibility have also been filed in other US states. Recently, California, Minnesota, and Michigan ruled that Trump should stay on the ballot in the states.

The Republican Party has already filed an&nbsp;appeal against&nbsp;the Colorado Supreme Court ruling in the US Supreme Court.&nbsp;Trump himself also plans to file an appeal with the nation's highest court.&nbsp;The Maine ruling is also expected to eventually make its way to the top court.

<h2>Americans favour Trump, finds poll</h2>

Even as Trump faces multiple bans over the Capitol riot, a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll has found that Republicans in the US are more sympathetic to his supporters who stormed the government office.

The poll found that Republicans are now less likely to believe that Jan 6 rioters were "mostly violent."

Furthermore, they are also less likely to believe Trump bears responsibility for the attack. They are also slightly less likely to view President Joe Biden's election win as legitimate — more than one-third or 36 per cent of Americans, do not accept his victory as legitimate.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday filed an appeal against a ruling that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in Maine. Calling Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows a "biased decision maker", Trump's attorneys asked the Maine Superior Court to toss out the ruling.

Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday filed an appeal against a ruling that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in Maine. Calling Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows a "biased decision maker", Trump's attorneys asked the Maine Superior Court to toss out the ruling. They alleged that the top election official, a Democrat, "acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner." Two strikes against Trump Last week, Maine became the second US state to bar Trump from appearing on the presidential primary ballot over his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by his supporters. Also read | Trump ‘a weak and feeble man’ who could ‘end American democracy as we know it,’ warn his former staffers Bellows in her decision said that the January 6 Capitol attack "occurred at the behest of, and with the knowledge and support of, the outgoing president." "The US Constitution does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our government and (the Maine law) requires me to act in response," she added, as quoted by AFP. "Given the compressed timeframe, the novel constitutional questions involved, the importance of this case, and impending ballot preparation deadlines, I will suspend the effect of my decision until the Superior Court rules on any appeal, or the time to appeal …has expired," wrote Bellows in her decision. Before Maine, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is ineligible to appear on the presidential primary ballot. The western state had invoked the 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause" which the state's supreme court said was violated by Trump. Also read | California decides to keep Donald Trump on GOP presidential primary ballot Section Three of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution bars anyone from holding public office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after once pledging to support and defend the Constitution. Similar 14th Amendment challenges questioning Trump's eligibility have also been filed in other US states. Recently, California, Minnesota, and Michigan ruled that Trump should stay on the ballot in the states. The Republican Party has already filed an appeal against the Colorado Supreme Court ruling in the US Supreme Court. Trump himself also plans to file an appeal with the nation's highest court. The Maine ruling is also expected to eventually make its way to the top court. Americans favour Trump, finds poll Even as Trump faces multiple bans over the Capitol riot, a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll has found that Republicans in the US are more sympathetic to his supporters who stormed the government office. The poll found that Republicans are now less likely to believe that Jan 6 rioters were "mostly violent." Furthermore, they are also less likely to believe Trump bears responsibility for the attack. They are also slightly less likely to view President Joe Biden's election win as legitimate — more than one-third or 36 per cent of Americans, do not accept his victory as legitimate. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump appeals Maine's 'biased' decision maker's presidential primary ballot ban

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a Washington court passed the sentence based on his July conviction on charges, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and entering a restricted building with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

<h2>Unwavering support</h2>

An unwavering Donald Trump supporter, Hostetter chose to represent himself at the trial. All through it, he never wavered from his belief that President Joe Biden had stolen the election from Trump.

The 135 months, or a little more than 11 years' sentence awarded to him, was only slightly less than the 12.5 years requested by prosecutors.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-appears-in-new-york-court-calls-fraud-trial-witch-hunt-and-corrupt-667390">Donald Trump appears in New York court, calls fraud trial 'witch hunt and corrupt'</a>

As per a KTLA report citing the United States Department of Justice, on January 6, 2021, the 59-year-old ex-policeman brought tactical gear, pepper spray and hatchets to the government building.

He was retired from law enforcement and, at the time of the attack on Capitol Hill, he worked as a yoga instructor.&nbsp;

Leading up to the riot at Capitol Hill, Hostetter gave several inflammatory speeches in which he echoed Trump's claims and said that the election was fraudulent. He also called for the execution of Trump's political rivals.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened on Jan 6?</h2>

On January 6, 2021, hundreds of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building, home to the US Congress. The riot attempted to try to disrupt the official certification of Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;

The action was sparked by a fiery speech from Trump himself. However, the 2024 US presidential election&nbsp;hopeful has not directly been implicated in the event.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidents-son-hunter-biden-faces-new-criminal-charges-in-federal-tax-case-667398">US President's son Hunter Biden faces new criminal charges in federal tax case</a>

To date, more than 1,230 of the hundreds that rallied at Capital Hill have been charged for their crimes related to the riot, said the Justice Department. More than 720 have been convicted, and of these, more than 450 will serve prison time.

In December 2022, a congressional commission investigating the January 6 riot recommended criminal charges against Trump. The charges suggested include aiding an insurrection and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Donald Trump, who has already been indicted for racketeering in Georgia, is set to go on trial in Washington in March. He faces the charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the November 2020 election won by contender Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill.

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill. On Thursday, a Washington court passed the sentence based on his July conviction on charges, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and entering a restricted building with a deadly or dangerous weapon. Unwavering support An unwavering Donald Trump supporter, Hostetter chose to represent himself at the trial. All through it, he never wavered from his belief that President Joe Biden had stolen the election from Trump. The 135 months, or a little more than 11 years' sentence awarded to him, was only slightly less than the 12.5 years requested by prosecutors. Also read | Donald Trump appears in New York court, calls fraud trial 'witch hunt and corrupt' As per a KTLA report citing the United States Department of Justice, on January 6, 2021, the 59-year-old ex-policeman brought tactical gear, pepper spray and hatchets to the government building. He was retired from law enforcement and, at the time of the attack on Capitol Hill, he worked as a yoga instructor. Leading up to the riot at Capitol Hill, Hostetter gave several inflammatory speeches in which he echoed Trump's claims and said that the election was fraudulent. He also called for the execution of Trump's political rivals. What happened on Jan 6? On January 6, 2021, hundreds of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building, home to the US Congress. The riot attempted to try to disrupt the official certification of Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The action was sparked by a fiery speech from Trump himself. However, the 2024 US presidential election hopeful has not directly been implicated in the event. Also read | US President's son Hunter Biden faces new criminal charges in federal tax case To date, more than 1,230 of the hundreds that rallied at Capital Hill have been charged for their crimes related to the riot, said the Justice Department. More than 720 have been convicted, and of these, more than 450 will serve prison time. In December 2022, a congressional commission investigating the January 6 riot recommended criminal charges against Trump. The charges suggested include aiding an insurrection and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Donald Trump, who has already been indicted for racketeering in Georgia, is set to go on trial in Washington in March. He faces the charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the November 2020 election won by contender Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Trump supporter ex-police chief sentenced to over 11 years in jail for role in Jan 6 riots

Donald Trump has been given the green light to remain on the state's presidential primary ballot. On Friday, judge Sarah Wallace ruled this despite allegations that the ex-president incited political violence during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

<h2>Trump on the ballot</h2>

As the election season in the US unfolds, Donald Trump, as per AFP, is yet to be&nbsp;removed from a single ballot. 
&nbsp; 
The Colorado Judge's decision comes after similar rulings in several other states — including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-civil-fraud-trial-ex-president-launches-tirade-against-clerk-soon-after-gag-order-paused-659930">Trump civil fraud trial: Ex-president launches tirade against clerk soon after gag order paused</a>

Wallace on Friday acknowledged Donald Trump's role in inciting supporters who stormed the US Capitol to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's election victory.&nbsp;

Citing Section 3, she concluded "that Trump acted with the specific intent to incite political violence and direct it at the Capitol&nbsp;to halt the transfer of power to Biden."&nbsp;

<h2>What is section 3?</h2>

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of US constitution bars individuals from holding public office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after pledging to support the Constitution.

Recognising the ambiguity of the 14th Amendment's language, Judge Wallace said that "it appears to the court that for whatever reason the drafters of Section Three did not intend to include a person who had only taken the Presidential Oath".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-mocks-biden-for-gaffes-but-makes-the-same-senile-blunders-kettle-calling-pot-black-654717">Trump mocks Biden for gaffes, but makes the same 'senile' blunders. Kettle calling pot black?</a>

In Colorado, the lawsuit against Trump, as per AFP, was filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW), a watchdog group based in Washington. It sought to prevent Trump from running for the presidency again.&nbsp;

Celebrating the Colorado court's decision, the Trump campaign hailed it as "another nail in the coffin of the un-American ballot challenges."&nbsp;

Donald Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung, in a statement, announced victoriously, "Challenges have now been defeated in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire."

While&nbsp;Trump has secured a victory in Colorado, similar legal challenges in other states can still potentially&nbsp;elevate the issue to the US Supreme Court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump has been given the green light to remain on the state's presidential primary ballot. On Friday, judge Sarah Wallace ruled this despite allegations that the ex-president incited political violence during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Donald Trump has been given the green light to remain on the state's presidential primary ballot. On Friday, judge Sarah Wallace ruled this despite allegations that the ex-president incited political violence during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Trump on the ballot As the election season in the US unfolds, Donald Trump, as per AFP, is yet to be removed from a single ballot. The Colorado Judge's decision comes after similar rulings in several other states — including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire. Also read | Trump civil fraud trial: Ex-president launches tirade against clerk soon after gag order paused Wallace on Friday acknowledged Donald Trump's role in inciting supporters who stormed the US Capitol to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's election victory. Citing Section 3, she concluded "that Trump acted with the specific intent to incite political violence and direct it at the Capitol to halt the transfer of power to Biden." What is section 3? Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of US constitution bars individuals from holding public office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after pledging to support the Constitution. Recognising the ambiguity of the 14th Amendment's language, Judge Wallace said that "it appears to the court that for whatever reason the drafters of Section Three did not intend to include a person who had only taken the Presidential Oath". Also read | Trump mocks Biden for gaffes, but makes the same 'senile' blunders. Kettle calling pot black? In Colorado, the lawsuit against Trump, as per AFP, was filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW), a watchdog group based in Washington. It sought to prevent Trump from running for the presidency again. Celebrating the Colorado court's decision, the Trump campaign hailed it as "another nail in the coffin of the un-American ballot challenges." Donald Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung, in a statement, announced victoriously, "Challenges have now been defeated in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire." While Trump has secured a victory in Colorado, similar legal challenges in other states can still potentially elevate the issue to the US Supreme Court. (With inputs from agencies)

Colorado Judge rules Trump can stay on presidential primary ballot despite Capitol attack incitement