First 7 jurors seated in Trump trial as judge warns former president about comments
Seven Manhattan residents were selected to serve on the jury in former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial on Tuesday, as lawyers for both sides clashed over which potential jurors should be seated and the judge warned the defendant to remain quiet.
During the selection process, the anonymous members of the jury were known only by letters and numbers, like B400 and B280. There are four men and three women, ranging from young to middle-aged. They include a salesman, a nurse, two lawyers, an IT consultant, a teacher and a software engineer. Three grew up elsewhere — in Ireland, Oregon and Puerto Rico.
They all answered questions about their background and their opinion of Trump before they were chosen to serve on the jury for one of the highest-profile trials in American history.
“hush money” payment his attorney made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming the prosecution is part of a plot by Democrats aimed at preventing him from retaking the White House. The case is the first of four criminal prosecutions against Trump to make it to trial.
Entering the courtroom on Tuesday, Trump called the trial a “sham” and said the charges should have been dismissed.
“This is a trial that should never happen. It should have been thrown out a long time ago,” he told reporters.
At several points during Monday morning’s arguments, Trump appeared to fall asleep at the defense table, his chin dropping to his chest briefly. In one instance, he was stirred awake by his attorney. He appeared to doze off at several points again on Tuesday.
The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks, convening every weekday except Wednesdays, with some shortened days for the Passover holiday. Trump is required to attend. The schedule severely limits Trump’s ability to hit the campaign trail, which he has cited to support his claims of political bias.
“I should be right now in Pennsylvania, in Florida, in many other states — North Carolina, Georgia — campaigning,” Trump said Tuesday.
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Source: cbsnews.com