A New York judge hailed a woman with a criminal record for working through her emotions and telling her personal story in open court Friday during jury selection for the hush money trial of former President Donald Trump.
The woman said she used to be addicted to drugs and mentioned conspiracy and felony charges, which could disqualify her from serving on the jury.
“Sorry for crying,” the juror said as she approached the front of the courtroom.
The woman, who was excused, said she would have notified the court earlier but she didn’t want to say anything in front of the packed courtroom.
“We all just heard from a very brave woman,” state Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan said. “So I just want to encourage the press to please be kind. Please be kind to this person.”
Mr. Trump watched the interaction closely, and many people in the courtroom appeared moved by the episode.
It was a tender moment in the hunt for five alternate jurors who will round out the panel for Mr. Trump‘s trial on charges he criminally concealed hush money to an adult film actress and others to avoid bad press around the 2016 election.
The court swore in a full 12-person jury Thursday and one of six alternates that will be required.
The pool of potential jurors is being drawn from Manhattan, a borough that is liberal but also a global business center. Jurors’ media consumption seemed to reflect that, with many reporting they read The New York Times.
One potential juror who is originally from Europe said he listens to Fox News and NPR to get both sides of the political spectrum.
One woman said that she doesn’t believe in watching the news and that her husband sends her any stories he deems important.
Another juror said she could serve on the jury, with one caveat: “I’m good with the time as long as we get to eat.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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