This is a brief update from Yahoo News on the criminal and civil cases against former President Donald Trump. Here are the latest developments:
🚨 What happened today
Five additional alternate jurors were selected Friday after questioning by prosecution and defense attorneys, completing the 12 jurors and six alternates needed for the case against Trump to continue Monday. In front of the courthouse, in an area where supporters of the former president had gathered, a man doused himself with flammable liquid and set himself on fire as horrified spectators looked on, reported the New York Times.
📌 Tell me more
On Friday, 22 potential alternate jurors were asked about their attitudes regarding the case and Trump. Five of them were selected to serve.
As has happened all week, many potential alternate jurors were dismissed after saying they could not be impartial against Trump.
Anti-Trump social media posts by some potential jurors were flagged by Trump’s lawyers, and the judge rejected some of them.
Once the jury lineup is finalized, Merchan said opening arguments in the case will begin Monday morning.
The judge also announced that he would hold what is called a “Sandoval hearing,” intended to inform the defendant of what might happen if he took the witness stand Friday afternoon.
Trump has said he would like to testify in the case, although it is unclear whether his lawyers will agree to that strategy.
Outside the courtroom, a grisly scene unfolded when a man in an area where supporters of the former president were gathering poured a flammable liquid on his body and set himself on fire by fire.
A passerby used a fire extinguisher to try to put out the flames, and a paramedic attended to the man.
We do not yet know what this man’s motivations were.
📖 The context
⚖️ Trump’s trials and court cases
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