Democrat Eric Swalwell represents California's 14th Congressional District. 

Friends,

As we witness this historic moment, I shared my reflections on former President Donald Trump’s arraignment with MSNBC. You can read my full op-ed here.

Our justice system was built to — and will — withstand this test as Trump’s case is brought forth in New York state court.

Prior to being indicted, Trump tried his best to take a wrecking ball to our rule of law. He warned of “death and destruction” from his supporters following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s indictment, posted (since deleted) images of himself implying a threat of violence against Bragg, and relentlessly attacked the judge assigned to his case.

Knowing Trump, it will get worse. His platform has always been to exploit Americans’ distrust of government and the good people who work for it. Following his arraignment, he railed to his supporters, "If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone.” I would argue the opposite is actually true: If criminal charges can be brought against anyone, they should be applicable to someone as powerful as the former president.

That’s why this indictment and the process that will play out are an opportunity to restore America’s faith in government and the ideals our country was founded upon.

So let us not celebrate this indictment or make it a cause for distraction. Let us instead celebrate the rule of law for its equal application to all Americans.

Thank you,

— Eric Swalwell