Donald Trump is found guilty of 34 felonies in New York. What comes next? And what does the historic verdict mean for the former president? A police officer was killed during a deadly ambush in Minnesota. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, May 31, 2024.
Donald Trump found guilty on 34 felony counts in NY criminal trial
As reported by our Political Correspondent Ray Bogan:
Former President Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, marking him as the first former U.S. president to be tried and convicted of a crime. The jury, which deliberated for about 10 hours, found that Trump falsified business records to conceal another crime related to a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, intended to influence an election.
However, Trump was not tried on the campaign finance violation itself.
The case against Trump relied heavily on testimony from his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who admitted to lying to Congress in 2018 and stealing from the Trump organization. The defense attempted to undermine Cohen’s credibility by labeling him the “GLOAT,” or the greatest liar of all time.
Trump is expected to appeal the verdict. He also faces ongoing legal challenges including the classified documents case, the Georgia election case, and special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11.
Donald Trump, Manhattan D.A. speak after verdict
The verdict was delivered unexpectedly late Thursday, May 30, just after Judge Juan Merchan had informed the defense and prosecution at approximately 4:15 p.m. that deliberations would continue into a third day.
However, at 4:36 p.m., the judge announced that the jury had reached its decision, cautioning those in the courtroom against any outbursts.
Trump responded to the verdict while speaking to reporters outside the courthouse.
“This was a disgrace,” Trump said. “This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt as a rigged trial, a disgrace. They wouldn’t give us a venue change. We were at 5% or 6% in this district, in this area. This was a rigged, disgraceful trial. The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5 by the people. And they know what happened here. And everybody knows what happened here.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg — whose office prosecuted the case — later spoke to the media, emphasizing his commitment to following the facts and the law. Bragg stated, “The only voice that matters is the voice of the jury. And the jury has spoken.”
The reaction to the verdict has been polarized. President Joe Biden’s campaign remarked that voting in November is the only way to ensure Trump does not return to office, while the White House expressed its respect for the rule of law. Conversely, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., labeled the guilty verdict “a shameful day in American history.”
What to expect following guilty verdict in Trump criminal trial
As stated above, sentencing is scheduled for July 11. However, Trump is likely to appeal the conviction, as he has asserted that the charges were politically motivated and legally flawed.
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records and a Class E felony in New York — the lowest tier of felony in the state which could result in up to four years in prison for each count. However, it is uncommon for someone with no prior criminal history to receive a prison sentence for this type of crime.
The judge may opt for alternative punishments such as a fine, probation, or house arrest. The Manhattan District Attorney has not indicated whether his office will seek prison time.
The judge might also allow Trump to avoid any punishment until after the appeal process is complete.
As for the upcoming November election, Trump is still eligible to run for president. Legal experts note that there is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that prevents someone convicted of a crime from running for the presidency.
Minneapolis shooting claims life of police officer and two others
Three individuals, including Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell, were killed in a shooting Thursday, May 30, in the Whittier neighborhood of southern Minneapolis. As officers responded to the scene, they were immediately met with gunfire, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
During the incident, a suspect ambushed Officer Mitchell while he was providing medical aid to two injured men two blocks from the original scene. One of the men succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other sustained serious injuries.
“When officers arrived, they received gunfire immediately and they exchanged gunfire,” Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell of the Minneapolis Police Department said. “Two officers were injured and they were immediately brought to HCMC. Officer Jamal Mitchell died at the hospital despite all life-saving measures by Hennepin Healthcare. The second officer received non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect on scene was injured, and even though he was injured in that gunfire, officers still rendered first aid and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Mitchell had previously been recognized for his heroism after rescuing an elderly couple from a fire early in his career, earning high praise for his bravery and character. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is currently investigating the shooting.
De Niro’s award revoked after anti-Trump speech
Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro was set to receive the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation’s Service to America Award on Tuesday, June 4. However, the organization has rescinded the award following De Niro’s appearance this week at a Biden campaign event outside the courthouse where former President Trump was on trial.
During his appearance, De Niro made heated remarks, including a claim that Trump could “destroy the whole world” if elected again. The NAB stated that De Niro’s comments “create a distraction” from the organization’s bipartisan philanthropic work.
National Spelling Bee comes to exciting end with tiebreaker
The finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee turned intense on Thursday, May 30.
Seventh-grader Bruhat Soma clinched the win and a $50,000 prize by correctly spelling 29 words in 90 seconds during a lightning round tie-breaker. It was nine more correct words than his competitor.
The 12-year-old is the second consecutive champion from the Tampa Bay area.