Jury selection in the historic criminal trial of former President Trump, facing charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is set to continue on Thursday. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee for 2024, is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. These charges stem from alleged hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts, denouncing the trial as a politically motivated persecution and maintaining his innocence. He is expected to testify during the trial, making him the first U.S. president to face a criminal trial.
As of the end of Tuesday's jury selection, seven jurors had been chosen from a pool that includes four men and three women residing in New York City. Their professions range from law and finance to nursing and technology. The trial, presided over by Judge Juan Merchan, is taking place in Lower Manhattan, with court sessions scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. on non-Wednesdays.
During the second day of the trial, Manhattan DA Bragg filed a motion alleging that Trump violated a gag order by making social media posts. Bragg requested that Trump be held in contempt of court and fined $1,000 for each of the three alleged violations, warning of potential incarceration for future breaches of the gag order.
Despite the legal proceedings, Trump made a campaign stop at a convenience store in Harlem, where he was greeted by enthusiastic supporters chanting his name and expressing their admiration. Trump criticized the trial and charges against him as politically motivated, emphasizing his commitment to addressing rising crime rates in New York City under Bragg's tenure. He pledged to prioritize law enforcement and public safety if elected president, vowing to restore order in the city.
Trump's visit to New York City underscored his campaign strategy to engage with local communities and address issues affecting residents. He accused Bragg of neglecting violent crime while targeting him unfairly, positioning himself as a champion for law and order in the city. Trump's remarks reflected his determination to connect with voters and rally support for his political ambitions.
