A full jury and six alternates have been selected in former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money case in New York City.
Court adjourns
Court has adjourned, ending the first week of former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial.
After four days, the full jury has been selected along with six alternates.
As he left the courthouse late Friday afternoon, Trump was asked whether he would testify in the case. He answered, "yes." He has previously said he would do so.
Opening statements are scheduled to begin on Monday.
President Trump:
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) April 19, 2024
"All over the world they’re saying it. This is a giant witch hunt." pic.twitter.com/F42gjK8x4W
Defense will get name of Monday's witness, but not yet
The defense again asks the People give them at least one of the names of the three witnesses who will testify next week. They promise to not share that name with Trump if the prosecution is that worried about the former president posting about that witness.
The state offers to provide the name of the witness testifying Monday on Sunday night and warns Trump's team that if he does post about them, it will be the "last time" they extend that courtesy.
Opening statements start Monday
Judge Juan Merchan warns the defense about submitting a flurry of court filings, like it did before trial began.
"Defense is literally targeting individual decisions, one by one by one by one, by filing pre-motion letters," the judge said. "That has to end. There has to come a time when you accept my rulings."
"We're going to have opening arguments on Monday. This trial is starting," he said.
Trump's attorneys object to the lengthy cases involving the former president that prosecutors want to be able to cross-examine Trump about, should he take the stand.
Trump lawyer Emil Bove argues that several of those judgements are in dispute, like the multi-million settlement that Trump is appealing in his civil fraud case. But when the hearing turned to the defamation lawsuit that Trump filed against Democrat Hillary Clinton in Florida, Merchan quoted that ruling, which called Trump's suit "frivolous" and one "that should have never been filed."
"If that's not Sandoval, I don't know what is," Merchan told the defense.
Sandoval hearing begins
Court has reconvened.
Former President Donald Trump walked into the courtroom with his attorneys. A Sandoval hearing is now beginning to discuss Trump's possible testimony.
Criminal cases are required to hold Sandoval hearings under New York law. These proceedings are meant to ensure that a defendant is not caught off guard by cross-examination if they choose to take the stand.
Watch: NYPD briefing after man lit himself on fire
The New York Police Department (NYPD) and other officials are holding a press briefing after a man lit himself on fire outside of the courthouse.
The man is in critical condition, NYPD officials said, identifying him as 37-year-old Maxwell Azzarello. Here's what we know about him.
As Newsweek's Andrew Stanton reports, NYPD confirmed that law enforcement was looking into a Substack page, which laid out a number of Azzarello's political views, particularly his concerns about Ponzi schemes and quickly spread across social media Friday afternoon.
"At this time there are no public safety threats," NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry wrote on X.
Read more: Max Azzarello's Last Instagram Post
As detectives continue their investigation, New York Police Chief Jeffrey Maddrey said the department will reassess security protocols.
"We're going to look at everything and with the magnitude of what's going on around here, we'll reassess our security with our federal partners," he said.
Watch below:
Watch live as @NYPDChiefofDept Jeffrey Maddrey & NYPD executives brief the media on an active investigation in Lower Manhattan. https://t.co/nTr0sUZkdq
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 19, 2024
Trump: Judge Merchan is "railroading me"
While court is on lunch break, former President Donald Trump accused Judge Juan Merchan of "railroading" him.
"Judge Merchan is "railroading" me, at breakneck speed, in order to completely satisfy his 'friends'," Trump posted on Truth Social Friday afternoon.
"Additionally, he has "GAGGED" me so that I cannot talk about the most important of topics, including his totally disqualifying conflict of interest, and taking away my Constitutional Right of Free Speech," he said, calling the case "election interference."
On Monday, the prosecution introduced a motion to sanction Trump for social media posts that they argue violate Merchan's gag order. The state requested Trump be fined $1,000 for each of three potential violations. Since then, prosecutors claim that Trump violated the gag order seven more times.
The judge is set to hold a hearing on the matter on Tuesday, April 23.
Full jury selected, Sandoval hearing soon
It's 2:45 p.m. ET in New York City and we are well into the fourth day of former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money case. Court is currently on a lunch break, here's a brief recap.
Jury selected: The full jury has been chosen–12 jurors and six alternates. Opening statements are expected to begin as early as Monday.
Before the break, a group of potential alternates were questioned. The judge dismissed three jurors for cause over social media posts and comments.
Jury details: The 12 members of the jury include seven men and five women. Here's are some key details about them.
Still to come today: A Sandoval hearing will be held after lunch.
Outside of court: New York City officials are expected to hold a briefing soon after a man reportedly set himself on fire outside of the courthouse.
Man sets himself on fire outside of courthouse
We are following breaking news from outside of the courthouse where a person has reportedly set themselves on fire.
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information DCPI for the New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed to Newsweek that first responders were "aiding a person outside the courthouse."
Newsweek's Katherine Fung says sirens were heard from inside of the courthouse as former President Donald Trump's hush money case was underway. This person appears to have had flyers that are now scattered around the area, police are gathering them.
We are waiting for an update from officials.
Developing story: Man Sets Himself On Fire Outside Donald Trump Trial
Another potential juror removed for cause
The defense has successfully removed another potential juror for cause.
Trump's team raised concerns about one prospective juror who they say lied about not attending anti-Trump protests and rallies, but posted himself at a massive rally in NYC.
He explained that he thought it was a women's rally; however, the phrase "anti-Trump rally" was written under one of the photos.
The judge granted this challenge.
This was the potential juror who caught Trump's attention earlier this morning. He is a native New Yorker and retired high school teacher.
Two more alternates have been selected
Two more alternates have been selected from this group.
One of these alternates is a native New Yorker who works in IT. He offered to give the court "some tips" with the microphone given his audio experience. He is married with one child and his father was a police officer. During questioning, he said his opinion of Trump "doesn't matter," and that "every man should be responsible for his wrongdoings."
The other alternate who was just chosen is a woman who works as a contract specialist. She grew up on the Jersey shore. Some of her news consumption includes the New York Times, Reuters and BBC, but said she's "not a big news person."
In total, we now have four alternates.
Potential juror removed for cause at defense's request
The defense has successfully removed one of the potential jurors for cause.
During questioning, this potential juror referred to "homophobic" and "racist" comments Trump made in the past. Prosecutors reiterated that she said she could put that aside.
Trump's team argued she has strong feelings about the former president and wanted her removed for cause. The judge granted the defense's challenge.
Second alternate chosen
The first alternate juror from this group has been chosen.
This woman is originally from Spain. She said she does not watch the news or have social media. "I will not hold anything against anybody," she said during questioning.
In total, two alternates have been chosen so far.
We have our second alternate juror.
— Katherine Fung (@katherinekfung) April 19, 2024
A Murray Hill resident who is originally from Spain. She is not currently working, married to man in advertising, has college-aged kids, does not watch the news or have social media. She said, "I will not hold anything against anybody.”
Another potential juror excused
Another potential juror has been excused after saying the line of questioning is giving her anxiety.
This potential juror is a woman who recently started her own business. She has previously participated in a women's march. Her news consumption includes: The New York Times, Daily Mail and CNN, as asked from the juror questionnaire.
There are 17 potential jurors left in this group. Trump attorney Susan Necheles is continuing her questioning.
What is this group of potential jurors saying?
"I'm a New Yorker, he's a New Yorker... "we don't really get starstruck or care about anything like that," one said.
When asked if allegations that Trump was unfaithful in his marriage would cause any difficulties in making a decision in this case, another juror answered "no."
One potential juror said they posted a handful of times around the 2016 Presidential election and around the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, calling it fairly negative. This person said, however, that they are also fair and unbiased and understand the task at hand here.
Potential juror excused after breaking into tears
One prospective juror broke into tears during questioning, telling the court, "I have to be honest, I feel so nervous and anxious right now."
"I thought I could do this but I wouldn't want someone who feels this way to judge my case either," she explained. "This is so much more stressful than I thought it was going to be."
This is the potential juror who works with a relative of Michael Cohen and whose own close relative is lifelong friends with former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
She has been excused, 18 prospective jurors remain in this group.
At 12:15 p.m: The prosecution is done with its line of questioning. Trump attorney Susan Necheles will now address the potential jurors for the defense.
Court is taking a short break.
This group of prospective jurors is continuing to answer questions.
One woman in this group told the court that one of her close relatives is lifelong friends with Chris Christie. The former New Jersey Governor ran against Trump for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2016 and 2024.
This prospective juror also said that a relative of Michael Cohen's works at her company, but the two have never worked together.
"I have opinions" but I don't think it "should appear," she said.
On a lighter note: When asked if married, another potential juror joked, "I try to find a wife in my spare time, it's not working out."
Outside of court, a demonstrator was seen waving a flag in support of the former president.
Trump shows interest in one potential juror
Trump showed interest in one particular potential juror this morning.
The prospective juror is a native New Yorker and retired high school teacher. He is a widower and has a son who also works in education.
His news consumption includes NPR, CSPAN, and CNN. He also sat on a jury in a civil case decades ago.
The former president immediately looked over when this potential juror started speaking and looked back at him a few more times, according to pool reports.
Attorney: Trump "dreading" Karen McDougal's potential witness testimony
We expect to gain some insight into what we may expect from the witness stand in this trial as a Sandoval hearing is expected in court today.
Earlier this month, Trump said he would "absolutely" testify, though we don't yet know if he will. There is a long list of potential witnesses that may testify against the former president, including former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
While addressing prospective jurors in court yesterday, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass reiterated that some of the potential witnesses have "some edge."
But Trump is "dreading" McDougal's witness testimony in this case, should she testify, one attorney (who's not a part of this case) has said.
"That is the part of this he fears the most," attorney and Trump critic Ron Filipkowski wrote on X.
Earlier this week, Judge Juan Merchan ruled he will allow testimony of McDougal, who alleged she had an affair with Trump. However, Merchan limited the scope of what she could say if she were to take the stand.
Cliff Roberts is in the room with Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung. Roberts represented Trump in the civil fraud trial.
Potential jurors are going through the juror questionnaire, which has 42 questions.
Some include:
- Which of the following print publications, cable and/or network programs, or online media such as websites, blogs, or social media platforms do you visit, read, or watch? (with several options)
- Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked for any company or organization that is owned or run by Donald Trump or anyone in his family?
- Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for Donald Trump?
- Do you currently follow Donald Trump on any social media site or have you done so in the past?
- Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for any anti-Trump group or organization?
- Have you ever considered yourself a supporter of or belonged to any of the following: the QAnon movement, Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, Three Percenters, Boogaloo Boys, Antifa?
One potential juror, who lives in Hell's Kitchen, says she may have read Trump's The Art of the Deal when she was younger.
So far this group includes: an audio professional, executive chef, accountant, data analyst, retired teacher, one works for a law department, and another in fashion.
A second potential juror from this group has been excused. "I don't think I can be impartial," she said.
Questioning begins for alternate jurors
A group of prospective jurors has now entered the courtroom.
Trump didn't look at this group as they walked in, he appeared to be looking down at the defense table, according to pool reports.
We have dismissed our first prospective juror before any questions are asked. One woman cites her anxiety as being a problem, she is excused.
Questioning is now underway, five more alternates jurors are needed.
Court is in session
Court is now in session.
The long-awaited Sandoval hearing is expected to take place today.
Criminal cases are required to hold Sandoval hearings under New York law. These proceedings are meant to ensure that a defendant is not caught off guard by cross-examination if they choose to take the stand.
So, expect to learn two things: what the prosecution intends to ask Trump about on the stand, and whether or not the former president will testify in his own criminal trial.
Thus far, Trump has indicated he plans to testify, but he could still waive that right today. And though Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has hinted that there are 13 instances of "misconduct and criminal acts" that prosecutors plan to ask the former president about, additional information about those 13 instances are expected to be revealed during the hearing.
Trump: "The gag order has to come off"
Former President Donald Trump slammed the gag order in the hush money case as he entered the courthouse Friday morning.
"The gag order has to come off," Trump told the media.
"People are allowed to speak about me, and I have a gag order, just to show you how much more unfair it is. People should be allowed to speak."
On Monday, the prosecution introduced a motion Monday to sanction Trump for social media posts that they argue violate his gag order. The state requested Trump be fined $1,000 for each of three potential violations. Judge Merchan announced he will hear arguments in the matter on Tuesday, April 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Since then, prosecutors claim that Trump violated the gag order seven more times.
"New York is going down as a very corrupt place to do business," he said.
President Trump wants the gag order removed:
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) April 19, 2024
"The gag order has to come off. I should be allowed to speak. I have to be released from the gag order. They have taken away my constitutional right to speak and that includes speaking to you."pic.twitter.com/SZWp9uhL8a
Day 4: Remaining alternate jurors to be selected
Good morning, it's 9:15 a.m. ET in New York City.
Day 4 of former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money case will begin in about 15 minutes.
Today, the court is expected to continue seating the remaining alternate jurors, likely five more. Yesterday, the 12 jurors deciding the case, plus 1 alternate, were selected. You can catch up on updates from day 3 here.
We are also supposed to discuss the Sandoval hearing today.
Newsweek senior reporter Katherine Fung is inside the courtroom.
