Donald Trump is due in federal court on Thursday to answer to charges that he sought to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, facing a judge near the US Capitol building that his supporters stormed to try to block the peaceful transfer of power.

In what’s become a familiar but nonetheless stunning ritual, Trump is expected to be processed by law enforcement, be taken into custody and enter a not guilty plea in front of a judge before being released, so he can rejoin the campaign trail as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024. The charges could lead to a years-long prison sentence in the event of a conviction.