Lawyers Choose 12 Jurors to Serve in Trump’s New York Criminal Case

Twelve jurors have been selected by lawyers in Donald Trump’s historic criminal trial to determine his guilt or innocence in a case related to a hush-money payment to a porn star.

Both defense and prosecution lawyers still need to choose alternate jurors for the trial, marking the first time a former U.S. president is the defendant. One alternate juror has already been selected, with the remaining alternates to be chosen on Friday.

During jury selection, one juror was dismissed by the judge for feeling intimidated by personal information being made public, and another was excused after potential undisclosed brushes with the law were revealed.

The high profile nature of Trump’s case has posed challenges during jury selection, with half of the 196 jurors initially screened in Democratic-leaning Manhattan being dismissed for their inability to impartially assess the case involving the Republican politician.

Trump’s public criticisms have also raised concerns about harassment toward witnesses, prosecutors, and the judge, leading the judge to impose a partial gag order.

The juror who felt intimidated after being identified for the trial expressed concerns about remaining fair and unbiased due to outside influences.

Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in the Nov. 5 election, is facing criminal cases in Washington, Georgia, and Florida, with the New York case being the only one set for trial this year. Various officials involved in these cases have reported threats and harassment after being targeted by Trump.

Trump has maintained his innocence across all four cases and has alleged, without evidence, that they are part of a larger effort by allies of Democratic President Joe Biden to undermine his candidacy.

A potential conviction would not prevent Trump from seeking office.

Newsmax contributed to this report.