Former New York City Mayor and ex-Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani received an unwelcome birthday surprise at his 80th birthday party in Palm Beach, Florida.

Axios reported that Giuliani received a legal notice late Friday night regarding his indictment in Arizona.

This marks a significant step in the investigation of the alleged plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in favor of former President Donald Trump.

The Indictment and Its Implications

The Arizona indictment, served by Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office, makes Arizona the fourth state to charge electors with falsely casting votes for Trump in states that President Biden won. This legal action follows similar indictments in Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia, where pro-Trump electors are accused of attempting to undermine the electoral process.

Attorney General Mayes emphasized the importance of accountability, stating on X (formerly Twitter), "Nobody is above the law." Her statement underscores the legal system's commitment to addressing alleged electoral misconduct, regardless of the individuals involved.

The Scene at Giuliani’s Party

Giuliani's birthday celebration, held at the home of GOP consultant Caroline Wren, was a lavish affair attended by around 200 guests, including prominent figures such as Roger Stone and Steve Bannon, both strategists for Trump. The event featured a Frank Sinatra tribute band and guests received gold-and-black invitations depicting Giuliani in a tuxedo and aviator shades.

The festive atmosphere took a dramatic turn around 11 p.m. when two officials from Mayes' office arrived to serve Giuliani with the indictment papers. Most guests had left by this time, but those remaining witnessed the unexpected legal intervention. A source close to Giuliani claimed he remained unfazed by the incident, stating, “It actually wasn’t that big of a deal.”

Reactions and Aftermath

Despite the legal notice, Giuliani continued to enjoy the party, even posting a taunting message to Mayes on X, which has since been deleted.

The post read:

If Arizona authorities can't find me by tomorrow morning: 1. They must dismiss the indictment; 2. They must concede they can't count votes.

Caroline Wren criticized the Arizona AG's office for handling the situation, comparing the operation to a military assault: "While crime in Arizona is at an all-time high, the Arizona [AG’s] office felt it was a good use of resources to send multiple agents across the country to storm an 80th birthday party like it was Normandy.”

The Broader Context

Giuliani’s indictment is part of a broader effort to hold accountable those involved in the alleged plot to subvert the 2020 election results.

He is the last of the 18 pro-Trump defendants to be served in the indictment returned by a grand jury last month. The defendants are accused of a coordinated attempt to allocate Arizona’s 11 presidential electoral votes to Trump unlawfully.

This legal action underscores the ongoing scrutiny and potential consequences for those who participated in efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election. It also highlights the persistence of legal authorities in pursuing justice, irrespective of the political affiliations and prominence of the individuals involved.

Giuliani’s Continued Defiance

Throughout the evening, Giuliani remained in high spirits, interacting with guests and even performing "New York, New York" with the band.

In a video obtained by the Post, he passionately addressed the crowd about the upcoming presidential race, expressing his determination to see President Joe Biden ousted from office.

“We got to work like hell from now until Election Day and, who knows? Maybe after, which I learned. But they are not taking this country away from us,” Giuliani declared, rallying his supporters.

Looking Ahead

Giuliani’s spokesman, Ted Goodman, downplayed the significance of the legal notice, suggesting that the former mayor was not deterred by the attempt to embarrass him on his birthday. He highlighted the positive atmosphere of the celebration and the support Giuliani received from his friends and family.

Giuliani is expected to celebrate his birthday again on May 31 at a Midtown eatery, with another elaborate party planned. The festivities include a gift registry featuring items ranging from practical household goods to luxury items, illustrating Giuliani’s ongoing appeal and the support he maintains within his social circle.

The legal challenges facing Giuliani and others involved in the 2020 election interference allegations continue to unfold, with significant implications for the accountability and integrity of the electoral process in the United States.