The final batch of five alternate jurors for the New York criminal trial involving former President Donald Trump was chosen on Friday, setting the stage for the trial’s opening statements scheduled for Monday.
However, the conclusion of jury selection was eclipsed by a startling incident in a nearby park, where a man set himself on fire. Eyewitnesses recounted how the individual seemed to distribute flyers before dousing himself with a flammable liquid and igniting it. Emergency responders swiftly intervened to extinguish the flames and transport the person to a nearby hospital.
While the connection of this incident to the Trump trial remains unclear, law enforcement authorities are reportedly investigating whether the individual was a protester, emotionally distressed, or both.
Inside the courtroom, the five newly selected alternates joined the 12 jurors and one alternate already seated during the trial’s initial three days. The jury composition comprises seven men and five women, all committed to impartially assessing the case.
The jury selection process involved numerous dismissals due to concerns about impartiality. Additional jurors were excused after being sworn in, with reasons ranging from concerns over perceived bias to undisclosed past legal matters. With the selection of the final alternates completed, attention now turns to pretrial discussions concerning potential topics should Trump opt to testify, including recent legal setbacks and controversies highlighted by prosecutors.
