Trump hush money trial: Trump found guilty on all counts in historic case
Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts in his hush money trial.
Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts 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 convicted on criminal charges.
Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with 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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Trump guilty on all 34 counts
Trump found guilty on all counts in historic case
Former President Trump has been found guilty on all counts in his historic criminal hush money case.
As the first former president charged with a criminal offense, Trump also now becomes the first former president to be convicted of a crime.
Trump stone-faced as he awaits verdict
Donald Trump, awaiting the verdict that will be read at around 5 p.m. ET, sat at the defense table, arms very tightly crossed. He was stone-faced, nodding as his attorney Todd Blanche whispered into his ear.
The top court officer entered the courtroom, looked around, and walked out.
DA Alvin Bragg subsequently entered the courtroom.
Verdict has been reached, judge says
Judge Merchan announced that a verdict has been reached.
The jury requested an extra 30 minutes, Merchan said.
"Please let there be no outbursts, no reactions of any kind when we take the verdict," Merchan asked.
There was an audible gasp in the courtroom when Merchan announced that a verdict had been reached.
Mood appears light for Trump team
Judge Merchan told the parties he would take a few minutes back in chambers before returning at 4:30 ET to bring in the jury and excuse them for the day.
Trump, at the defense table, was actively conferring with attorney Todd Blanche as they waited, with Blanche laughing and covering his mouth as Trump whispered in his ear. Trump flashed a grin.
Defense attorneys Emil Bove and Susan Necheles were also smiling as they chatted.
Manhattan DA thanks jurors, hails verdict
At a post-verdict news conference, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case against Trump, thanked the jurors.
"We should all be thankful for the careful attention that this jury paid to the evidence and the law, and their time and commitment over these past several weeks," Bragg said.
"Twelve everyday New Yorkers, and of course our alternates, heard testimony from 22 witnesses, including former and current employees of the defendant, media executives, book publishers, custodians of records and others. They reviewed call logs, text messages and emails. They heard recordings. They saw checks and invoices, bank statements and calendar appointments," Bragg said.
"Their deliberations led them to a unanimous conclusion beyond a reasonable doubt," Bragg said.
"While this defendant may be unlike any other in American history, we arrived at this trial -- and ultimately today at this verdict -- in the same manner as every other case that comes through the courtroom doors: by following the facts and the law, and doing so without fear or favor," Bragg said.