Trump trial: 1st week of testimony ends with testimony from Michael Cohen's former banker
Banker Gary Farro testified in Donald Trump's hush money trial in New York.
Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City, where he is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.
Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records to hide the reimbursement of a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.
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What to know about the hush money case
READ MORE: Here's what you need to know about the historic case.
Man apparently sets himself on fire outside courthouse
A man apparently set himself on fire outside the courthouse while Trump was inside during the trial.
The person was badly burned and taken away from the scene on a stretcher.
It was not immediately clear if the incident was related to the criminal proceedings.
Hearing on potential Trump testimony set for afternoon
The hearing on the scope of former President Trump's potential testimony is scheduled to take place today at 3:15 p.m. ET
Known as a Sandoval hearing, it will determine the extent of the prosecution's cross-examination.
Prosecutors have indicated they would like to question Trump about matters beyond the criminal case, including his recent $454 million civil fraud judgment, the two verdicts in the E. Jean Carroll cases and a lawsuit he filed against Hillary Clinton that resulted in legal sanctions.
Alternate jurors sworn in
The six alternate jurors have been sworn in, raising their hands.
"We have now completed jury selection for this case," Judge Merchan said.
The alternate jurors are five women and one man.
Alternate Juror No. 6 lives on the Upper East Side and is a project manager for a construction company and a mother of three children who "does whatever my kids want me to do in my spare time."
Her father was convicted of a federal crime when she was in high school. She said she was "shielded" from the details at the time.
Full jury panel now selected
"We have a full panel," Judge Merchan said after alternate jurors 5 and 6 were selected.
Alternate Juror No. 5 is originally from Texas and has spent four years in New York.
She works in creative operations for a clothing company and ejoys concerts, restaurants and music.
Attorneys to present opening statements
After a week-long selection process, the jurors in Donald Trump's New York hush money case are scheduled to hear opening statements this morning in the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.
To prove their case, lawyers for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg need to convince twelve jurors beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump repeatedly falsified records to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.
"This case has nothing to do with your personal politics or your feelings about a particular political issue," prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told prospective jurors on Thursday. "It's not a referendum on the Trump presidency, a popularity contest, or any indication of who you plan to vote for this fall. This case is about whether this man broke the law."
Trump's lawyers are expected to focus their efforts on going after the credibility of prosecution witnesses, suggesting the case itself is politically motivated and arguing that the former president never intended to commit a crime.