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Man lit himself on fire outside the courthouse where Trump's trial is underway
From CNN's Mark Morales and Brynn Gingras
A man lit himself on fire outside the courthouse where the Trump trial is underway, New York City Police Department officials said.
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey B. Maddrey said the man walked into the center of Collect Pond Park, which is directly across from the courthouse. He opened his backpack and took out pamphlets that he scattered in the park before setting himself on fire.
A CNN team on the ground observed one of the flyers. It said "NYU is a mob front" and had various allegations of wrongdoings against the school.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said police have not determined if the incident was related to Trump’s trial. He said the man did post about the incident on social media and that his internet presence will be part of the ongoing investigation.
At least one person used a fire extinguisher to try to put out the blaze, and an EMT rushed up to the man and tried to render aid, according to CNN's Laura Coates, who narrated the scene unfolding in front of her outside the courthouse.
This post has been updated with details from New York City Police Department officials.
All jurors have been seated for Trump's trial: Here's a recap of the end of jury selection
From CNN's Elise Hammond
The five remaining alternate jurors were sworn in Friday, meaning the full jury panel has now been seated in the hush money trial against Donald Trump.
There are 12 jurors and six alternates who will hear the case against the former president.
Opening statements are expected to start Monday.
Here’s a recap:
- A group of 22 potential jurors from the most recent panel returned to the courtroom to answer their questionnaires. From there, lawyers from the prosecution and defense each got 25 minutes to ask the potential jurors questions.
- Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger started her questioning by telling the potential jurors that this case is “only about whether the evidence” proves Trump is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. She also asked the potential jurors whether they could keep an open mind if former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testifies.
- Trump attorney Susan Necheles focused her line of questions on biases toward Trump. "You all bring biases, and you particularly bring biases about someone who is as publicly and outspoken as President Trump,” she said.
- Jurors dismissed: Six potential jurors were excused throughout the questionnaire and questions from the lawyers. The judge then dismissed three people for cause. Lawyers used their preemptory strikes to dismiss another two potential jurors.
- Trump in court: The former president watched the alternates' answers very closely as they shared their opinions of him, turning toward the jury box as they responded.
- Incident outside court: A man lit himself on fire outside of the courthouse where the trial is underway, two law enforcement sources confirmed to CNN. Further details were not immediately available.
The judge said there will be a Sandoval hearing after the lunch break around 3:15 p.m. ET. That routine hearing will address Trump’s criminal history and assess how much prosecutors can ask if a defendant testifies.
Secret Service agent speaking to Trump in the gallery
Former President Donald Trump is standing in the gallery. A Secret Service agent is speaking to him.
He glanced over at the press pool as he walked out.
Court adjourned for lunch
The court is adjourned for lunch.
The judge is expected to hold a Sandoval hearing at 3:15 p.m. ET. This is a common preliminary proceeding that will be used to review Donald Trump’s criminal history and assess how much prosecutors can ask if he testifies.
Judge tells jurors he expects trial to begin Monday
Judge Juan Merchan tells the jurors, "I expect we're going to begin the trial on Monday."
Merchan is giving the jurors instructions not to discuss the case with others or research it.
"There are 18 jurors in total," and we cannot start until all are present each day, Merchan says.
Alternate jurors sworn in
Jurors are being called up to be sworn in now.
The last five alternates sworn in include four women and one man.
The full jury panel has been selected
A sixth alternate juror has been selected. That means the full panel — 12 jurors and six alternates — has now been seated.
"We have our full panel," the judge said.
A fifth alternate juror has been selected
One more alternate juror has been added to the jury. We're up to five alternate jurors now.
Alternate No. 5 said she is married, works for a clothing company and gets her news from Google.
Prospective alternate dismissed
The potential alternate juror was dismissed after a review of his social accounts.
When referencing a quote in which he called Donald Trump "egomaniacal," he said, "it's not too far off base" from what he felt at the time.
He also said the top image of the Facebook account is his, but then suggests the posts in question are not his.
Prosecutors withdrewtheir opposition to the Trump team'schallenge for cause.
