The five remaining alternate jurors were sworn in Friday, meaning the full jury panel has now been seated in the hush money trial against Donald Trump.
There are 12 jurors and six alternates who will hear the case against the former president.
Opening statements are expected to start Monday.
Here’s a recap:
- A group of 22 potential jurors from the most recent panel returned to the courtroom to answer their questionnaires. From there, lawyers from the prosecution and defense each got 25 minutes to ask the potential jurors questions.
- Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger started her questioning by telling the potential jurors that this case is “only about whether the evidence” proves Trump is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. She also asked the potential jurors whether they could keep an open mind if former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testifies.
- Trump attorney Susan Necheles focused her line of questions on biases toward Trump. "You all bring biases, and you particularly bring biases about someone who is as publicly and outspoken as President Trump,” she said.
- Jurors dismissed: Six potential jurors were excused throughout the questionnaire and questions from the lawyers. The judge then dismissed three people for cause. Lawyers used their preemptory strikes to dismiss another two potential jurors.
- Trump in court: The former president watched the alternates' answers very closely as they shared their opinions of him, turning toward the jury box as they responded.
- Incident outside court: A man lit himself on fire outside of the courthouse where the trial is underway, two law enforcement sources confirmed to CNN. Further details were not immediately available.
The judge said there will be a Sandoval hearing after the lunch break around 3:15 p.m. ET. That routine hearing will address Trump’s criminal history and assess how much prosecutors can ask if a defendant testifies.
