A man in New York City set himself on fire outside a courthouse as jury selection wrapped up for the historical criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. ET in an area designated for demonstrators. The man, found with pamphlets mentioning a conspiracy linked to cryptocurrency, was in critical condition according to the NYPD.

Inside the courtroom, the day swiftly progressed with intense proceedings, leading to emotional breakdowns by two jurors, eventually excusing three due to anxiety. Judge Juan Merchan finalized the panel of 12 jurors and six alternates, allowing for opening statements to begin the following Monday.

The selection of new alternate jurors on Friday included individuals with varying backgrounds, such as an unemployed art enthusiast, an audio professional, a contract specialist, a clothing executive, and a construction project manager. The morning started with the remaining potential jurors from the previous pool of 96 being called to assess their ability to remain impartial throughout the trial.

During the selection process, potential jurors interacted candidly, with one expressing concerns over anxiety and another revealing past affiliations with political figures. The courtroom atmosphere grew more intense as Trump and his attorneys closely scrutinized each potential juror’s answers, particularly focusing on ambiguous responses related to political views.

As the jury selection continued, emotions ran high with one juror breaking down in tears, leading to their dismissal. The day concluded with the appointment of a foreman and an alternate, shaping the composition of the final jury. Meanwhile, preparations for a Sandoval hearing later in the day set the stage for forthcoming cross-examinations between Trump and prosecutors.