Assembling an impartial jury for the case against Donald Trump, one of the most polarizing figures in US politics, proved to be a challenging endeavor. After numerous challenges, both the prosecution and defense have finalized the panel.
“Those who are blatantly biased are out,” remarked Jeremy Saland, a former Manhattan prosecutor. “They’ve done their homework and done their job to pick a jury.”
To safeguard their identities, New York Judge Juan Merchan imposed restrictions on the amount of information reporters can disclose about the 12 jurors.
The jury panel comprises five women and seven men, all highly educated individuals. Among them are a civil litigator residing in the Upper East Side, an investment banker with an MBA, a security engineer from the West Village, and a retired wealth manager.
According to Mr. Saland, an independent legal expert, having highly educated jurors is crucial for this case. “You need someone capable and intelligent enough to parse out what happened and apply the law,” he remarked.
However, these jurors might encounter significant external pressure due to the high-profile nature of the felony trial, especially amidst Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign.
“This isn’t your run-of-the-mill or average criminal case,” noted Mr. Saland. “That’s going to weigh heavy on their minds.”
Here are insights into the 12 individuals entrusted with deciding the legal fate of the former president, drawn from their responses during the selection process:
Juror 1- Foreman
Juror number one, originally from Ireland, serves as the jury foreperson. Currently employed in sales and married, he enjoys outdoor activities in his free time and gathers news from sources like the New York Times, the Daily Mail, and Fox News.
Juror 2- Investment Banker
Juror number two, an investment banker with an MBA residing in Hell’s Kitchen with his wife, finds enjoyment in music and concerts. He’s familiar with “quotes” from Mr. Trump’s book, “The Art of the Deal.” Despite lacking firmly held opinions or strong beliefs, he keeps abreast of current events due to his work in capital markets.
Juror 3- Lawyer
Juror number three, a resident of Chelsea, works in corporate law and indulges in hiking and running for leisure. Like many, he stays informed through the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Juror 4- Security Engineer
Juror number four, a West Village resident of 15 years, works as a security engineer and finds pleasure in wood and metal working, as well as comedy podcasts. While he served on a previous jury for a criminal case, he doesn’t recall the verdict.
During the jury selection process, when asked by prosecutors if he harbored any concerns about rendering a guilty verdict, he replied with a straightforward “No.” Additionally, he expressed neutrality towards the former president.
Juror 5- School Teacher
Juror number 5, a Harlem native, now works as a school teacher and considers herself a “creative at heart”, finding joy in theatre, writing, and travel. Despite having friends with strong opinions about Mr. Trump, she asserts her lack of political inclination and disinterest in news.
“President Trump speaks his mind and I’d rather that than someone who’s in office who you don’t know what they’re thinking,” she remarked during the jury selection process.
Juror 6- Software Engineer
Juror number six, residing in Chelsea, recently completed college and pursues a career in software engineering. Her leisure activities include socializing with loved ones and dining out. She keeps informed through the New York Times, Google, and TikTok.
Juror 7- Litigator
Juror number seven, an Upper East Side resident, practices civil litigation but admits limited knowledge of criminal litigation. He values family time outdoors and relies on the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the New York Post for news. Additionally, he tunes into the podcast Car Talk. He acknowledges having “political views” regarding Mr. Trump’s presidency, appreciating some policies while disliking others.
Juror 8- Wealth Manager
Juror number eight, a retired wealth manager, has been a fixture of the Upper East Side for decades, holding an MBA. He prioritizes his well-being with a daily yoga routine and stays informed through outlets like the BBC, the New York Times, and CNN. He is a proud parent of a son and a daughter.
Juror 9- Speech Therapist
Juror number nine, residing on the Upper East Side and working as a speech therapist, holds a master’s degree. Her leisure activities include dining out and watching TV, particularly enjoying reality TV podcasts. Despite not closely following the news, she expressed confidence in her ability to remain fair and impartial during the selection process.
Juror 10- Employed in E-commerce
Juror number 10 hails from Ohio and is employed in e-commerce. He finds interest in behavioral psychology podcasts and harbors a deep affection for animals. Although he doesn’t closely track current events, he keeps up with the New York Times.
Juror 11- Product Development Manager
Juror number 11, originally from California, serves as a product development manager. In her free time, she delights in discovering the city and indulging in culinary delights. She made her stance clear on Mr. Trump’s persona, expressing disagreement with some of his politics while assuring the court of her capacity for impartiality. Her humorous analogy drew laughter from the courtroom.
Juror 12- Physical Therapist
Juror number 12, another resident of the Upper East Side, works as a physical therapist and is happily married. Her interests span from running and tennis to live music and sports podcasts. She stays informed through the New York Times, USA Today, and CNN.
