The federal indictment of several Russians announced Friday proves President Donald Trump was involved in a "criminal conspiracy," said Maryland Democrat Rep. Elijah Cummings.

Cummings released a statement through the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, of which he is the ranking Democrat.

"For all of those who have been asking, 'Where is the evidence of a crime?' — this is it. This is the criminal conspiracy," Cummings said. "This is what President Trump and his allies have repeatedly called a 'hoax' and 'fake news.' This is what they tried to cover up. This is what we might never have known if President Trump had been successful in shutting down this investigation."

The indictment brought by special counsel Robert Mueller's office alleges that 13 Russians and three Russian companies tried to create chaos in the United States leading up to the 2016 presidential election through an information warfare campaign. Since last spring, Mueller has been investigating Russia's activities in the U.S. election and whether the Trump campaign colluded with it.

Cummings said the indictment, which was announced by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, indicates Trump and people close to him tried to hide Russia's alleged activities.

"Today's indictments show precisely how the Russians worked to help the Trump campaign, in startling and extensive detail," he said. "And of particular concern, the indictments show how the Russians tried to suppress the votes of minorities across the United States in order to help Donald Trump win the presidency."

Cummings added that Americans must "prevent anyone from undercutting or interfering with [Mueller's] continued work" as the Russia probe continues.