Donald Trump Fraud Trial: Judge Tells Ex-POTUS To Keep Quiet Amid Animated Reactions
Donald Trump's fraud trial entered what may be its most explosive day yet as an animated former president was talking loudly as a witness was testifying against him. This resulted in a judge scolding him and telling him to keep quiet.
The incident happened when Trump's defense attorneys cross-examined witness Doug Larson, who was named in various Trump filings as having valued his assets at a high number. However, despite being named in those Trump Organization filings, Larson testified that he had no idea that the company was using his name to pad the value of Trump's assets.
As CBS News reported, Trump appeared frustrated during the proceedings and was seen shaking his head while throwing his hands in the air and whispering to those around him. As Larson continued his testimony, his whispers soon became loud rasps and prosecutors took notice and took this up with the judge. Trump even hit the table with his hands.
"OK, I'll ask everyone to be quiet while the witness is testifying," said the judge, adding, "particularly if it was meant to influence the testimony." After this, however, things got heated even more, as Trump's attorneys continued to press Larson.
Donald Trump Attorneys Shout at Witness, Accusing Him of Lying During New York Fraud Trial
Attorney Lazaro Fields, who represents the former president, asked Larson if he lied. However, before Larson could even answer, lead Trump attorney Christopher Kise interrupted him, telling him he should consult his attorney. This happened after the other Trump attorney was shouting at the real estate appraiser and accusing him of lying.
READ MORE: Donald Trump Fraud Trial: Witness Reveals What's Wrong About Trump's Net Worth
Wallace argued that all the shouting from the Trump attorneys, as well as Trump's own audible reactions, constituted witness intimidation. "This is some kind of performance, I take it for the press," said the prosecutor.
After some even more back and forth between the two sides, Judge Engoron seemingly had had enough and stated, "My role here is to get witnesses to testify." He added, "Perjury or no perjury, I just want them to testify, and the fewer disruptions, the better." The witness was soon led back as things cooled down.
Court Staffer Arrested After Approaching the Well During Donald Trump New York Fraud Trial
That was not the only piece of drama that happened on that day as a courtroom staffer was arrested. According to the Daily Beast, she "walked up to the front of the [public] gallery, approaching 'the well' where Trump was seated." She was then confronted by officers before getting arrested.
The New York State Courts released a statement regarding the woman and confirmed that she is indeed a court employee. She has now been placed on administrative leave after "yelling out to Mr. Trump indicating she wanted to assist him."
A New York Courts spokesperson nobody was in danger when the incident happened, though others in the press noted that the employee could be heard "screaming" in the courthouse lobby while officers were escorting her out. She was charged with Contempt of the Court in the 2nd degree.
READ MORE: Trump Organization Convicted of 17 Felonies, Gets Maximum Punishment
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Written by: Rick Martin
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