Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Courthouse
The first week of the criminal trial of former President Donald J. Trump concluded with a startling incident as a 37-year-old man set himself on fire outside the courthouse. The shocking event overshadowed the legal proceedings happening inside the courtroom in Lower Manhattan, capturing the attention of the press corps.
Legal Proceedings Continue Amidst Disturbance
Despite the unsettling incident, the trial continued at a faster pace than expected. Following the swearing-in of the 12 jurors and six alternates, Justice Juan M. Merchan held a hearing to determine the potential questions that prosecutors might pose to Mr. Trump should he choose to testify in his own defense.
Charges Against Mr. Trump and Potential Consequences
Mr. Trump, aged 77, is facing charges of falsifying 34 business records in connection to a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was allegedly made to conceal a past encounter between them. Prosecutors claim that the falsification was aimed at improving Mr. Trump’s chances of winning the election. The former president has denied these charges, but if convicted, he could potentially face probation or imprisonment.
- Opening statements for the case are slated to take place on Monday.
Jury Selection and Composition
The jury selection process was rigorous, resulting in a panel of 12 Manhattan residents along with six alternates. The jury members come from diverse neighborhoods and professional backgrounds, including a Harlem educator, a Chelsea tech worker, and a product manager from Upper Manhattan. The newly added alternates encompass a fashion worker from Chinatown, an information technology specialist from Inwood, and an unemployed woman from Murray Hill.
- The varied composition of the jury reflects a cross-section of Manhattan’s population.
