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.


What to know about the hush money case

READ MORE: Here's what you need to know about the historic case.


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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.


Several prospective alternates have read 'The Art of the Deal'

After a prospective alternate said he has a minority stake in a company that produces Michael Cohen's "Mea Culpa" podcast, Trump leaned forward and turned toward the man at the mention of his former attorney's name.

The man also said he had volunteered for a Democratic get-out-the-vote effort during Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.

Several of the prospective alternates said they had read Trump's "Art of the Deal," including a management consultant who likes to be outdoors when he's not working.

A retired teacher made the requisite pledges, saying, "I will solely make my decision solely based on the evidence in the courtroom. There is no reason why I can't be a fair and impartial juror."

"I believe that everyone should obey the law," he said.

A woman with an MBA in information systems who likes to "cook, bake, watch hockey" inquired about the court's schedule for Passover. Told the court was planning to break early this coming Monday and Tuesday, she said that would give her plenty of time to travel to her seders in New Jersey.

A contract specialist for a fintech company said she likes to take her two boys to Knicks games and Rubik's Cube speed competitions.

Another prospective alternate skipped the questionnaire and told the judge she could not be impartial.

"After thinking about this yesterday after hearing the questions, I don't think I can be impartial," the woman said before Judge Merchan excused her without objection.