Former President Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 felony counts in his hush money trial, according to a verdict delivered by a New York City jury on Thursday afternoon.
The decision comes after hours of deliberation by a dozen jurors, who began their discussions on Wednesday morning before reaching a unanimous guilty verdict on Thursday after 9 1/2 hours.
Trump, who had vehemently denied any wrongdoing throughout the trial, labeled the proceedings as “rigged” and accused the Biden administration of influencing the outcome. He also criticized Judge Juan M. Merchan, referring to him as “corrupt.”
“The real verdict is going to be on November 5,” Trump stated, expressing his disappointment with the trial’s outcome. “The whole thing… we didn’t do anything wrong. I’m an innocent man. It’s OK, I’m fighting for our country, I’m fighting for our constitution.”
The sentencing phase is scheduled for July 11th, with Trump facing a potential sentence of up to four years per count. The charges stem from allegations of falsifying business records at his company, related to a scheme aimed at concealing potentially embarrassing stories during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed gratitude to the jury for their service, emphasizing the importance of their careful attention to the case. He declined to comment on whether he plans to request a prison sentence for Trump, stating that discussions would take place during the sentencing hearing.
Legal experts suggest that Trump may not serve prison time due to his lack of criminal history and the non-violent nature of the offenses. However, Trump’s legal team is expected to appeal the verdict.
Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard Law professor, stated that he wasn’t surprised by the outcome, indicating that he had predicted it.
During deliberations, jurors raised questions about the judge’s instructions and requested to rehear testimony about the hush money scheme. Trump, meanwhile, criticized the trial, describing it as “election interference.”
Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler released a statement in response to the verdict, highlighting the importance of accountability and emphasizing that Trump’s conviction does not change the fact that the American people have the power to decide his fate at the ballot box.
Supporters gathered outside Trump Tower, where Trump acknowledged their backing before entering the building.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reacted to the verdict at a press conference in Austin, Texas.
Trump, the first former U.S. president to be convicted of felony crimes, is expected to address the public on Friday at 11 a.m. ET.
The verdict marks a significant development in Trump’s legal battles and has far-reaching implications for his political future.
