LIVE: Frequent President Donald Trump attends hush money trial in NYC

For the first time a former US president will stand trial on criminal charges what to expect today in court as Trump's hush money trial begins and what we're learning about his lawyer strategy Happening Now Israel considers whether to retaliate for this weekend's historic attack by Iran launching hundreds of missiles and drones directly.

Into Israel President Biden's message to prime minister Netanyahu what officials are saying about us involvement in any potential Counterattack veloping overnight the mysterious disappearance of two mothers in Oklahoma four suspects arrested and now word that two bodies have been recovered in the.

Area plus what the lawyer handling OJ Simpson's will is now revealing about Simpson's debt caught on camera the men seen damaging a protected rock formation in the west the charges they could face Caitlyn Clark's big night why tonight's WNBA draft will be like none before and later meet the all girls high school robotics team now heading to the world.

Championship from ABC news in New York this is America this morning good Monday morning everyone I'm Rihanna NY and I'm Andrew dibert we begin with the historic trial of former president Trump in the New York hush money case involving Stormy Daniels jury selection is scheduled to get underway this morning currently this is the only criminal case.

Against Trump that appears on track to wrap up before the election in November making the stakes even higher for Trump so what can we expect in court today ABC's Perry russum is at the courthouse in lower Manhattan Perry good morning Andrew good morning to you this morning we are getting some new information on Trump's mood and his.

Strategy as he becomes the first former US president to stand trial on criminal charges this morning sources describe former president Trump as angry and irritated had of jury selection in his New York criminal trial this is a fraught moment for all of the people involved not just the defendant we've never seen anything even remotely close.

To this in American history Trump faces 34 felony counts prosecutors say his one-time lawyer Michael Cohen paid porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to keep her quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump they claim Trump falsified business records to hide the payment from voters Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies the.

Encounter with Daniels last night he called the trial election interference writing I will be fighting for myself but much more importantly I will be fighting for our country sources say Trump's legal team will argue he had nothing to do with logging his own Financial books and that Cohen is to blame Cohen spent just over a year in.

Prison in 2018 for lying to Congress among other crimes he's expected to tell jurs that Trump directed him to pay Daniels the whole case falls apart if if the Trump lawyers are able to persuade the jury that Michael Cohen is not to be trusted and it'll really come down to if he connects with with the jury and you need all 12 of them if one of them uh.

Decides they're not persuaded then the government effectively loses hundreds of potential jurors have been summoned they'll be asked 42 questions including whether they've attended a trump campaign event or follow him on social media Trump has claimed too many potential jurors have been exposed to negative stories about him the trial is.

Expected to last up to eight weeks and Trump is required to attend meaning he'll be in court four days a week instead of on the campaign Trail sources also say Trump's lawyers will try to convince him not to hold news conferences in the courtroom hallway given fears over repeated gag order violations the judge has warned Trump.

Not to speak about potential jurors we've never seen a jury selection process for a former president and this particular president uses you know his social media account uh not only to spread misinformation but also to bully judges their clerks the lawyers the you know potentially the jurors if convicted Trump faces up to 4 years in prison and.

Even if he's reelected to the White House in November he won't be able to Pardon himself because this is not a federal case and here at the courthouse there's an elaborate security plan in place to protect Trump as well as let Court operate as usual we know at least two accused murderers have court dates today.

While Trump is inside Andrew all right Perry thank you so much and two law enforcement officers have been shot and killed in Upstate New York officials say a Syracuse police officer and a sheriff's deputy were investigating a suspicious vehicle in the suburb of Liverpool when the shooter opened fire from a house killing them both the.

Suspect also died we turn now to Israel considering whether to retaliate against Iran for this weekend's historic attack the White House urging restraint here's ABC's Allison kask this morning new details about Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel la launching more than 100 ballistic missiles and swarms of drones a larger.

Attack than expected in retaliation for an air strike that killed two Iranian Generals in Syria this month a senior Us official so surprised at the number of missiles in this weekend's attack that his hand was trembling as he took notes three over here you can see that rocket flying up in the sky just over Jerusalem here.

Now it's just raining Rockets with those Sirens blaring out you can hear the interceptions every few seconds here overnight ABC News confirmed at least half of those Iranian missiles either failed to launch failed in flight or crashed before reaching their targets in Israel Israel says 99% of the drones and missiles ended up being intercepted by.

Israeli us and Coalition forces those that did hit caused minor damage at an Israeli air base and left a young girl critic Ally wounded from missile shrapnel while Tan's Massive Attack has largely been a failure a senior official saying that Iran's intent was clearly to be highly highly destructive causing significant damage and death in.

Israel now attention turns to whether Israel will respond prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with his War cabinet yesterday one member saying Israel would act in the manner and time that is appropriate for us his War cabinet reportedly supports retaliating against Iran but is divided over the timing and scale us officials while.

Emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself say the US will not participate in any Counter Strike sources say President Biden has urged Netanyahu to slow things down and think carefully about the risk of escalation Biden's call for restraint drawing some criticism on both sides of the aisle if Joe Biden as some press reports have it.

Is urging the Israelis not to retaliate at all he is an embarrassment to the United States on Capitol Hill lawmakers are now considering a new military aid package for Israel a vote could come as soon as this week Iran's government this weekend sent a message to the White House suggesting they were finished after their attack late Saturday saying.

They consider this matter closed the Biden administ ation is making the case that this was a success for Israel suggesting retaliation may not be necessary ranan Andrew Allison thank you today is sentencing day for Hannah Gutierrez the former weapon supervisor on Alec baldon's movie rust she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

For the death of another crew member who was shot when a gun held by Baldwin went off she faces up to 18 months in prison prosecutor say Gutierrez has shown No Remorse Alec Baldwin is also charged with involuntary mans Slaughter his trial begins in July now to Oklahoma in the search for two missing mothers missing since last month police making.

Multiple arrests over the weekend and now a gruesome Discovery overnight police in Oklahoma confirmed they have recovered two bodies while investigating the suspicious disappearance of two mothers from Kansas one day earlier authorities arrested four people in the case among the charges first-degree murder kidnapping.

And conspiracy it's really a big deal now it's somewhat unusual to have four people involved um when two moms disappear 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jillian Kelly have been missing since last month when they drove through Oklahoma's Panhandle to pick up Butler's children their vehicle later found abandoned in a rural area near the.

Kansas Oklahoma Border Police say evidence in the vehicle made them suspect Foul Play Veronica Butler and the father of her children were reportedly in a bitter custody battle at least two of the suspects arrested Saturday were reportedly known to Butler news Nation reports one is the grandmother of Butler's children but.

Police have not confirmed that report so in every case every homicide case you have to be able to tie the suspects to the victims so in other words can they Place either the four of them or at least some of the for at the scene committed this crime authorities have not confirmed the identities of the two bodies yet or the.

Cause of death it was 5 years ago today that a fire nearly destroyed the fame Notre Dame cathedral in Paris the roof burst into flames the fire swallowed up the spire and the main bell towers the cause still hasn't officially been determined but authorities have pointed at either a cigarette or an electrical problem meanwhile today the cathedral is.

Nearly restored the restoration has cost nearly $600 million and is scheduled to reopen in December time now for your Monday weather oh look at this two men spotted this dust devil along route route 66 in Arizona the dust and the tumble weeds blowing around them but then quickly.

Moving away and today the nation's most severe weather will stretch from Texas all the way to the doodas tornadoes and large hail are possible as temperatures rise into the 80s the severe weather threat shifts East tomorrow from Chicago down to Waco Texas checking today's high temperatures 67 for today's Boston Marathon 70s around the Great.

Lakes coming up the all girls robotics team heading to the world championship but first more tourists Behaving Badly The Men Who damaged a protected rock formation in the west and the charges they could face and what police are saying about the young woman allegedly murdered on a first date whenever news breaks we are here in.

Israel a nation at war after that brutal surprise attack by Hamas on the ground in Ukraine reporting from Leon Maine the scene of a horrific mass shooting ABC News live is right there everywhere from the scene of that deadly missile strike in Dena Ukraine reporting from the earthquake in Turkey in Rolling Fort This Tornado tore.

Through this little town from the most devastating disaster in Hawaii from Charleston South Carolina on the 2024 campaign Trail in Iceland let's go traveling with the president in Mexico City wherever the story from the front lines from Southern Israel outside the Gaza Strip in beir from the FBI reporting from the nurses on the picket.

Line here at 10 Downing Street in London streaming live to you wherever the story is wherever the story is wherever the story is we're going to take you there you're streaming ABC News live ABC News live you're streaming ABC News live ABC news live streaming streaming free everywhere America's number one streaming news it's lunchtime in America.

So what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know you know that sounds pretty good to your health your money breaking news pop culture with the biggest Stars music Trends and of course good food GMA 3 what you need to know a third hour of GMA in the afternoon so join us afternoon for everything you need to.

Know I love that the strongest females fight for the survival of their families oh hey que you should see me in the crowd right now there's just so much happening in our world so much at stake.

At the start of every morning and that's why at Good Morning America we're right here and we got you we got you we got you we're back with the search for two suspected vandals in Nevada the two men are wanted for toppling ancient Boulders at Lake me National Recreation Area the natural rock formations at the Redstone Dunes Trail are protected and started.

Forming when the dinosaurs r the Earth they started forming about 140 million years ago the damage is unfortunately permanent and uh people won't be able to enjoy that particular location as much as they might have before those men could face felony charges including fines and even possible jail time in Wisconsin a.

Community is coming together in the search for a woman police say was murdered after going on a first date here's ABC's Derrik Dennis this morning family and friends of 19-year-old shade Robinson of Milwaukee want closure I think everybody's just overwhelmed Robinson's cousin among those searching saying.

She's too exhausted to go on camera they're searching a local park for more of her remains after someone found a severed leg linked to Robinson through DNA evidence people want to get on the water because obviously he she might be in the water and we don't have the resources police say Robinson was last seen on April 1st when she was on a.

First date with this man 33-year-old Maxwell Anderson who's now charged with homicide mutilation and arson in Robinson's death see he was gorgeous and her smile could like brighten anyone's day and she just had that personality where she could cheer you up Anderson is held on $5 million Bond authorities asked about potential ties to other.

Missing women cases in the area said there's no evidence of any other victims for now shade Robinson's loved ones just want to find her our family needs peace and we need closure so I don't want to stop Milwaukee Police also found human remains at three other locations but an ID is still pending Ranna Andrew really sad story jerck thank you coming up what.

The lawyer handling OJ simpsons's will is now revealing also ahead a slam dunk for Caitlyn Clark on SNL why tonight's WNBA draft will be unlike any other the future whenever news breaks we are here in Israel a nation at war after that brutal surprise attack by Hamas on the ground in Ukraine reporting from Leon.

Maine the scene of a horrific mass shooting ABC News live is right there everywhere from the scene of that deadly missile strike in Dena Ukraine reporting from the earthquake in Turkey in Rolling Fort This Tornado tore through this little town from the most devastating disaster in Hawaii from Charleston South Carolina on the 2024.

Campaign Trail in Iceland let's go traveling with the president in Mexico City wherever the story from the front lines from Southern Israel outside the Gaza Strip in beir from the FBI reporting from the nurses on the picket line here at 10 Downing Street in London streaming live to you wherever the story is wherever the story is wherever the.

Story is we're going to take you there you're streaming ABC News live ABC News live you're streaming ABC News live ABC news live streaming free everywhere America's number one streaming news it's lunchtime in America so what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know you know that sounds pretty good your help your money breaking news.

Pop culture with the biggest Stars music Trends and of course good food GMA 3 what you need to know a third hour of GMA in the afternoon so join us after new for everything you need to know I love that you should see the strongest females fight for the survival of their.

Families oh hey the Queens you should see me in the crowd we're back with a spectacular crash this car launching into a home near Riverside California the driver suffered only minor injuries he was apparently trying to make a turn but was going too fast now to the Brewing Showdown over OJ Simpson's estate.

Simpson was acquitted in his criminal trial but he was later found liable in a civil suit for the killing of his ex-wife and her friend Ron Goldman Simpson was ordered to pay $33 million to their families but paid only a fraction of those damages Simpson's lawyer tells Good morning America this EST State needs to take care of other.

Things first including Simpson's IRS debt Mr Simpson has IRS debt there's IRS de that's going to be out there don't want to go into any more about it but it's substantial and then a host of other creditors anyone there's going to be a notice to creditors so that's a part of the process those judgments that you me talk about they're just not on my.

Radar Simpson had his NFL pension and his actor's Union residuals he reportedly made about $400,000 a year all right now to the excitement building for tonight's historic draft not the NFLs the wnb we're just hours away from one of the most anticipated drafts in sports history Caitlyn Clark all but certain to.

Be the number one overall pick you make a lot of jokes about women's sports don't you Michael on Saturday Night Live she scolded Weekend Update host Michael Chay for roasting the wnba's popularity and forced him to read jokes she had written the Indiana Fever have the first pick in this Monday's draft a reminder that Indiana Fever is a w NBA team and.

Not what Michael CH gave to dozens of women at Purdue University back in December the fever won the lottery to choose first and hit the jackpot Clark's expected arrival sent ticket prices through the roof more than doubling and now most of their games will be on national TV in terms of attention we've never ever ever seen anything like this.

Clark along with South Carolina Center Camila cardoo and UCLA guard Kiki rice are profiled in an upcoming ESPN docu Series this moment showing Clark's competitive Spirit when she was a girl learning to ride a bike so I like got out my pink bike and I'm like Mom take my training wheels off let's go hey now that Blake's learned to ride Katie's.

Giving it a shot and she's doing quite well another top contender in tonight's draft Angel Reese despite the LSU forward stardom analysts do not expect her to be chosen in the top five due to worries about whether she can be effective in the pros what is for certain these players are driving historic interest in women's Hoops the.

National title game scored bigger TV ratings than the CLK and tonight's draft will be the first in nearly a decade with a live audience even SNL's Michael CH will acknowledge it's a slam dunk for the sport thank you uh I can't wait to give this to my girlfriend you don't have a girlfriend M all right and you can watch.

The draft tonight on ESPN at 7:30 Eastern should be good coming up former president Trump's trial in New York how it's affecting Robert Tano's wardrobe plus why an octopus may not be the best idea for a pet one family's Horror Story you should the strongest females fight for the survival of their.

Families oh H the Queens you should see me in the crowd hi I'm Andy and I'm Sabrina and we're moms juggling tons of stuff every day like all you moms out there and you know what we love really love Pop Culture so listen now to our new podcast pop culture moms wherever you get your podcasts with so much at stake so much.

On the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of Television why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories.

A lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R murl Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here it's.

Lunchtime in America so what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know you know that sounds pretty good your help your money breaking news pop culture with the biggest Stars music Trends and of course good food GMA 3 what you need to know a third hour of GMA in the afternoon so join us afternoon for everything you need to.

Know I love that reporting from the Oscars red carpet I'm Melissa Adon wherever the story is we'll take you there you're streaming ABC News live time to check the pulse and we begin with Robert jiro's pants disrupting security at former president.

Trump's trial dairo is shooting a Netflix series near that courthouse in Manhattan and the Secret Service required his work wardrobe truck be relocated for their security detail at the courthouse security is tight in New York experts say Trump's route from his Penthouse to the courthouse will likely change every day as a result all right.

Next Scotty sheffer's life is changing in Monumental ways the 27-year-old just won his second Green Jacket at the Masters becoming the fourth youngest player ever to have two jackets his wife wasn't there to see it she's pregnant with her first child Sheffer says after the baby arrives golf will move down his list the priorities meanwhile Tiger.

Woods had a masters to forget finishing with the highest score among those who played all four rounds next girl power is fueling a brilliant group of amateur engineers in North Carolina the all girls robotics team is headed to the world championship in Texas the 12 teens call themselves GeForce robotics they built a robot it's named Hellcat it can.

Respond intelligently to remote commands and the girls have big dreams for their future I plan on going into game design my plan B is going to the Naval Academy to hopefully become a pilot but I do still want to keep up with robotics and hopefully do maybe BattleBots in the future their coach says robotics also helps build leadership skills next a pet.

Saga playing out on Tik Tok oh it got as many twists and turns as an octopus has legs or are they arms 9-year-old Cal had a lifelong dream realized when his dad bought him a pet octopus that they named Terren but then Terren had 50 babies dad now has spent thousands of dollars on tanks water filters and yes food his advice don't get a pet octopus unless.

You're ready to lose sleep and also your kids college fund as well o scary stuff there top headlines next this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee Cent In Putin's Russia on the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 storm you're.

Along high five Boston is in the Bulls let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America's number one streaming news the strongest females fight for the survival of their.

Families oh hey the Queens see me in a crowd first thing in the morning there's a lot going on got another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today ES ating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast.

Straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sounds sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live it's lunchtime in America so what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know you know.

That sounds pretty good give it to me your health your money breaking news pop culture with the biggest Stars music Trends and of course good food GMA 3 what you need to know a third hour of GMA in the afternoon so join us afternoon for everything you need to know I love.

That checking more top stories now jury selection begins today in former president Trump's historic hush money trial he has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal before the 2016 election 12 jurors and six alternates need to be selected from hundreds of Manhattan residents White House is urging.

Restraint as Israel decides how to respond to Iran's unprecedented attacks most of the missiles and drones were shot down with us help oil prices meanwhile were flat overnight a sign the markets may be shrugging off the attack Australia's observing a day of mourning after a stabbing Rampage at a mall near Sydney left six victims dead police.

Believe the attacker who had mental health issues may have targeted women in Arizona hundreds rallied for abortion rights days after the state supreme court reinstated a law effectively Banning abortion the decision is on hold for at least one more week today's weather severe storms in parts of North Carolina and Virginia and in the plains.

From Kansas to Omaha damaging winds from Oklahoma City into Texas and finally the Boston marathon runners ready to hit the road they include one man who has run a marathon in all 50 states every Runner set to line up behind this starting line today has a story 60-year-old Scott Klein's journey to today's race started 37 years ago when.

He was 25 I ran with two friends of mine from law school in 1987 really on a lark but then he spent 25 years running a very different race practicing law and raising three children with his wife Michelle until he turned 50 and dusted off those running shoes and that led to a kind of strange and amazing Odyssey to run a marathon in.

Every state from Alaska to North Dakota Alabama to Vermont telling d magazine that he even finished the marathon in Maui with a broken bone in his foot I am not particularly gifted or fast but I would say that I'm pretty persevering and ahead of today's race in Boston he's sharing this message if you have the opportunity to get off the couch and.

Walk a little bit and then run a little bit just keep going also keeping the spirit going dozens of Golden Retrievers brought together on Boston Common over the weekend their owners held a Meetup to honor the memory of Spencer the official Boston Marathon dog Spencer became an iconic symbol of the Boston Marathon after holding a Boston Strong.

Flag along the marathon route for 9 years after multiple bouts with cancer Spencer died last last February at the age of 13 Sunday's meet up was a way for these golden retriever owners to take a stand against can9 cancer they're golden strong golden strong a big congrats and good luck to all the runners that's making news in America this.

Morning more Americans choose ABC News America's number one news source good morning welcome to ABC News live I'm Stephanie Ramos let's get right to our top story this morning the historic first ever trial of a former president set to begin today former president Trump is expected in court in New York.

City in lower Manhattan for jury selection in the hush money case against him the Manhattan district attorney charged Trump with falsifying business records to conceal pain ments he allegedly made to Stormy Daniels through his then attorney Michael Cohen Trump pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges last year calling the case election.

Interference and a Witch Hunt the judge has imposed a limited gag order keeping Trump from making comments about jurors Witnesses individual prosecutors and the families of the judge and the district attorney but Trump has pushed the boundaries of that order targeting some witnesses and the judge's daughter on social media the former president has.

Campaigned on his legal battles telling his supporters he wears the indictments as a badge of honor most of the Republican party has rallied behind him even as some privately admit the allegations make them deeply uncomfortable we have full team coverage this morning as the former president is expected to make his way to court right.

Here in Manhattan starting with our senior investigative correspondent Aaron kerki who has the latest from New York docket number 7154 I the people of the state of New York versus Donald J Trump will be called for jury selection lawyers will begin choosing 12 jurors and six alternates to hear this unprecedented case and I'm proud to do.

It for you have a good time watching Trump may be wearing his indictment like a badge of honor but he has repeatedly tried to delay this trial and appeals court rejecting him each time so for the next couple of months Trump will be running to reclaim the White House while spending most of his time on the 15th floor of the courthouse thank you very.

Much everybody Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records in a case involving a former president a publisher and an adult film actress I relish the day that I get to face him and and speak my truth prosecutors alleged Trump feared for his electoral prospects in 2016 if the public were to learn about Stormy.

Daniels who claimed she had sex with Trump which he denied the Access Hollywood tape had just surfaced Trump heard boasting of grabbing women Andy when you're a star they let you do it you can do anything prosecutors put Trump at the center of an alleged scheme to bury damaging stories before the 2016 election with the help of David pecker.

At the national Inquirer he now has an immunity agreement with prosecutors the indictment said pecker arranged a $30,000 hush payment to Daniels Michael Cohen wired the money and Trump falsely recorded monthly reimbursements to Cohen as legal services for nine straight months the defendant held documents in his hand containing this key lie once.

Jury selection is complete ex-playboy model Karen mcdougall's expected to testify so is Trump's longtime trusted Aid hope Hicks Trump has said he might testify too I would testify absolutely senior investigative correspondent Aaron cury executive editorial producer John Cuchi and legal contributor Brian buckmire joined me now.

For more on this Ain I want to start with you you have been following this case since the very beginning this is a significant day talk to us how we got here exactly it's an unheard of day a former American president standing trial as a criminal defendant Donald Trump was the first former president to be charged now.

The first former president to stand trial and he tried feverishly to avoid this day with repeated requests to an appeals court to delay each time his attorneys were turned aside and now he's preparing to arrive here go up to the 15th floor of the courthouse for jury selection and perhaps a hearing about his potential testimony in the case and.

We got here because according to Stormy Daniels the two of them had sex in 2006 he has long denied that but when he was close to the 2016 campaign he decided that he didn't want the public to learn about anything Stormy Daniels had to say true or false and so he paid $130,000 in hush money arranged through the publisher of the national Inquirer.

And according to prosecutors when he reimbursed his then attorney Michael Cohen in monthly installments he logged those payments illegally as Legal Services when in fact prosecutors say it was really campaign related meant to conceal this potential sex scandal from voters it has been a roller coaster ride uh for for for so many years now John I.

Want to bring you in on this uh what are are you hearing from Trump's Inner Circle about his mindset going into this trial you know it's interesting it's almost like um you know I've covered Donald Trump really a decade for ABC it's always this idea there are multiple Donald Trumps and speaking to sources along with our colleagues over the.

Weekend there are two Donald Trumps right now in the sense that Donald Trump the candidate and Donald Trump the defendant and the fir the candidate Donald Trump was on the campaign Trail all weekend was in a good mood apparently the weather where he was campaigning on Saturday was horrible one Aid said everybody was miserable but him.

He was totally in the zone in his moment then you pivot to Donald Trump who's now become a visiting New Yorker because of this trial Stephanie and everything I hear angry livid can't stop talking about it one person said to me it's a rare moment where the public facing bravado we see of Donald Trump is exactly what we are the closed circle of.

AIDS around him are seeing behind those closed doors he cannot get over the fact this is happening he is angry at the fact that every delay Tac that they have tried to pull out of their box has failed so the reality is that this is going to be a very livid and frustrated Donald Trump the other thing that I hear which is actually really interesting is.

That Donald Trump is finding a way to bring more and more of his team around him into the courtroom right having people there to support him having not only the campaign staff but members of the Trump organization because this is a case where it's been frustrating for him because of what it comes down to right it is about though money and pay.

It is about his personal life and the idea that so much of that is going to be broadcast out to the public even though there's no cameras but we're going to be talking about as one person said at the end of the day it's really just embarrassing to him it'd be interesting to see if he takes a stand at any point well and he's indicated he would I mean.

You know our Olia Rubin and Rachel Scott asked him this repeatedly over the last couple of weeks um Rachel just the last couple of days he has said he wants to one of the things that Aaron and our colleague kathern falers are hearing is that that's going to come up this morning potentially ahead of jury selection because it has been raised as.

A possibility so I do think knowing Donald Trump and again don't take my word for it look at what we've already seen in the last couple of months in the New York attorney general civil case Donald Trump believes he is his best spokesperson his best Advocate at the end of the day the best person testify about him so I do think despite.

Everybody saying don't do it if Donald Trump thinks that there is a modicom possibility he in his words can make this go away I bet he takes the S we'll see Brian I want to bring you into this Trump's team calls this all a fantasy how do you expect for them to make their case here I think this case is going to be about who are the best Witnesses for.

The prosecution and for the defense team they're going to say hey you've got a person who is lied under oath in court to law enforcement to Congress and this is your star witness Michael Cohen and try to paint him as a person that no juror can trust and if you can find some cracks in that kind of argument and also pointing to stormy Daniel saying she's.

Got a financial gain here and there's a story to be told and a story to be sold and if the defense can create any kind of doubt in their testimony going forward that's enough for them and I think as Donald Trump and as most defense attorneys and most defendants would say I just need one and jury selection here is going to be starting.

To kind of understand that landscape of who's a potential juror who will take the information as the defense wants to present it and say you know what you can't really trust the liar why would I trust them now and I think that's the AR they're going to make going forward in this case hundreds and hundreds of people uh basically auditioning for this.

Role of Juror and it'll be so hard to find someone who hasn't been kind of affected by what's been in the news the rallies and all and and the rhetoric that we've heard from the former president that anybody that doesn't know the defendant right I mean that's so many often the thing when we've all at one point probably gone for sad for jury.

Selection right that's one question do you know the defendant who in New York who in the United States would be able to say no I don't know who Donald Trump is exactly it'll be very difficult all let's take a live look now we're looking at live pictures at Trump Tower of Trump Tower where former president Trump is expected to depart for court any minute.

Aaron this morning uh may start with a hearing over what prosecutors can ask the former president during cross-examination whether he should take the stand we just talked about it uh what do you think can we expect the former president to testify and what can we expect to hear if he does what are your thoughts on.

That this is called a sand ofal hearing and it's common when a defendant is thinking about taking the witness stand in his own defense and here uh the defense is asking the judge to set limits on the kinds of questions that prosecutors can ask on cross-examination because prosecutors would want to ask Trump about a lot of things potentially.

Embarrassing about a sex life given what some of this case is actually about and the defense doesn't want the jury to hear any of that they also would like to ask Trump about uh prior civil cases involving egyp Dean Carroll the writer who twice has won a civil case against Donald Trump and about the civil case involving business fraud that the former.

President just paid $125 million bond to to to cover a civil fraud judgment and the defense doesn't want any of that before the jury so this hearing that could potentially take place before jury selection begins would be to set the bounds of the kinds of things Trump could ask and if the judge says everything's fair game well then that.

May make Trump think twice potentially about about taking the witness stand absolutely all right I want to uh turn it over to Trevor Al this historic trial against the former president is of course bringing a lot of attention to the New York courthouse where jury selection is set to begin as we mentioned ABC's Trevor alt is monitoring.

Potential protests there for us Trevor what are you seeing well we're starting to see the first people kind of file in here Stephanie we are in a park that is literally in the shadow of the courthouse this is the courthouse here you see all the media lined up on the sidewalk as they've going to be.

Broadcasting throughout the day here we have just over my left shoulder some of those first demonstrators so this is where the prot Trump demonstrators tend to gather we've seen this in the past when the former president has been here before it's been a number of flags flying and thank you Trevor I'm sorry going to have to interrupt for just one.

Second we are seeing the former president exiting Trump Tower right now here in New York City you saw him there he walked out kind of gave like a fist pump right is that what you saw John yeah I saw a fist pump also see Trump's lead Council Todd blanch walking out with him and again that is something that in speaking to sources close to the.

Former president every day the legal team is expected to take that commute Stephanie with Donald Trump to court probably you know knowing Donald Trump this morning surrounded by the campaign and the legal staff getting like a last minute briefing sort of a rundown of what today is going to be and now he's going to take that ride it's interesting.

I'm curious and I'll know hopefully shortly every time Donald Trump has gone to court though many people join him in the motorcade most often he actually goes in the car by himself just with his secret service detail usually a little bit of time oddly for Donald Trump HX be surrounded by people just to sort of have a moment right by himself so we'll.

Know for sure certainly if that is the case for this ride but you know it's also a ride that you have to think about Donald Trump right this is a guy that wanted to make it in Manhattan he has often said that Fifth Avenue 725 Fifth Avenue which is the address of Trump Tower is the most famous address in New York it's something that he always.

Wanted to be as a kid who grew up in Queens living on Fifth Avenue this is a very different trip for Donald Trump it is amazing to think one year ago this time he was heading to this courtroom to be arraigned on an indictment of criminal charges and now for this trial just the weight of that has got to be hitting him this morning it's it's also.

Absolutely I agree with you John and also this is the as you said famous Fifth Avenue where he said many many years ago where he could shoot someone and probably get away with it and and never lose a supporter I mean and that's something that Donald Trump is hoping that this trial will help him with right just to build support play into the idea.

Is a rigged system out to get him and that is where Donald Trump is hoping though personally and criminally this is not good for him politically it could benefit him and we are watching that Convoy right now making its way uh through Manhattan headed to lower Manhattan it'll probably take a little bit of time with traffic and of course.

People who are aware that this is happening in New York City probably stopping to to watch and take pictures uh I want to bring in ABC's contributor and former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons to talk a little bit about this uh Trump is charged of course with falsifying business records to conceal criminal conduct for those that are just.

Joining us Chris what does the district attorney need to prove here well so they've got to prove a few different things one they've got to prove that he falsified the records that's the most obvious thing the second thing though that they've got to approve is that he falsified those records as a part a campaign scheme um so it's not.

Just that the records were false but also that the purpose behind it or his intent when he was uh issuing those records when he was falsifying those records the intent was to win the election to keep this information that would be potentially damaging to him out of the spotlight and so that's one of the things that a lot of people don't.

Remember is that you know they think now well big deal everybody knows about Stormy Daniels it's it's nothing huge but back then um you know the the Access Hollywood tape hadn't come out he was still trying to protect his right reputation and back then the Republican party was known as you know the kind of the family values party so to have.

Something come out like that at the front of the campaign they thought would be extremely damaging and we are watching live images of the former president making his way through Manhattan there to the courthouse I want to bring Aaron in Aaron what is the security protocol there uh for Trump's appearance we heard.

From Trevor saying that there are already people gathered there uh near the courthouse what are you seeing and what is that protocol a number of streets will be blocked to traffic and then pedestrians will be halted in their tracks as the motorcade approaches until former president Trump is safely inside the courthouse and.

Brought up to the 15th floor for today's proceedings Stephanie because he is effectively the Republican nominee that increased the security protocol beyond what he would ordinarily be afforded from the Secret Service as a former American president and so there there's a plan outside by the NYPD the court security officers are handling inside.

The building in the immediate perimeter and then the Secret Service right around uh right around the president this is by the way a criminal Courthouse that's still functioning at least two murder suspects are scheduled to have hearings uh today a guy who shot a couple of people allegedly in Tomkin Square Park uh he's being brought in for arraignment.

So there are bad people that are being brought into this uh Courthouse at the same time that Trump is here to begin his criminal trial and that's certainly going to be a stark image there for those who are just joining us we are watching uh the historic criminal trial of president Trump that is now set to get underway any moment now we're seeing.

Live images here of the former president's car and his Convoy making his way down to that Courthouse there where our Aaron cury and Trevor alt are located Brian I want to bring you in Trump's lawyers have argued that the entire process cannot fairly take place in Manhattan where they argue that too many potential jurors have negative.

Opinion about the former president we spoke about this uh just a few moments ago what is your take on that I I think that's in the ability of any defense attorney to say hey I can see what county is not going to be beneficial for me and I think what Donald Trump's attorneys are looking at are probably elections uh uh way election sorry.

Results from the different counties Manhattan probably not the greatest place for you uh Brooklyn probably not the greatest Sten Island I'm probably sure he'd want to go there Orange County he tried a few a few counties North of of Westchester he would love to go there a lot of times when people look at New York state to say it's a blue State.

Through and through no there are a lot of red pockets and I think that Donald Trump is probably looking towards that area but this standard as think John has kind of touched on it's not a matter of whether you know who Donald Trump is you like him you don't like him because he's a very polarizing figure I don't think there many people on the on the middle.

In terms of how you feel about Donald Trump the idea is can you take that information put it aside and only weigh the evidence as you see in the courtroom and I think there are enough New Yorkers and enough manhattanites to do that here but of course as a defense attorney you always want to get the best for your client and John you mentioned this.

Earlier how Trump tried to delay this several times just last week if we saw another delay what would this mean for him as he tries to run for president well listen at the end of the day they feel that the further they can delay this they hope to get everything past November now so far um out of all the cases they have because remember this is.

104 as we were talking about a little earlier as of all of them right now this is the only one that has an actual trial date what I mean by that is the other case that has a date as of now for late May is the documents case the special council's case brought by Jack Smith that one is obviously not reality because they still haven't firmed that.

Up so we're waiting to see but they really want to get these past the election hoping Donald Trump gets reelected it all goes away and then we move on with life that is just going to be super complicated right because now the fact of the matter is we are heading down there for jury selection with this one the other cases though if we do a.

Quick status report if you'll indulge me documents we're waiting to find an actual trial date the January 6 efforts to overturn the election on the federal level the Supreme Court is going to hear arguments on that next week Donald Trump trying to say he had presidential immunity the court has to weigh in if they buy it that case goes to limbo if.

They don't the judge has already said she would try to get that back on track for maybe a July summer trial the other case that we're waiting to find out another state case is Georgia the fton County case the efforts to overturn the election there we were here the two of us were here almost how many days a week something like that.

Going through the efforts to disqualify district attorney fonny Willis Trump failed in the efforts there so now the question is Willis wants to get that case up and going in August but that would be a monthl long proceeding which would drive right into November so all of that super complicated for the former president and his team the one big thing.

That is the reality of this happening now right and I do think it's important Donald Trump has to be in this courtroom four days a week for the next several weeks that means he's not campaigning he's not fundraising as one Aid said to a colleague of ours Olivia Rubin overnight it sucks that was literally their words because this is the critical.

Time to build up the campaign coffers to build the cash on hand because they've got to be ready and armed to get into the fall with Joe Biden absolutely and a gag order has been put in place let's talk about that Chris I want to bring you in the judge imposed that limited gag order against Trump last month how careful does he need to be to avoid.

Violating that order and and what happens if he does I mean so that's the great question the best question here is what happens if he does typically if somebody's found in contempt they end up going into a jail cell um that's you know kind of a nightmare I don't know if you can imagine Donald Trump in any sort of cell anywhere even if it was inside.

The courthouse um that would just be be uh Beyond imagination so I think he's going to try to be a little bit careful at least you hope he's going to try to be a little bit careful it's not a an extensive gag order it's one where he can't talk about certain individuals and that shouldn't be too hard and you figured that he's probably not going to.

Want to press that particular issue since you know it's not a difficult gag order to follow don't talk about the the families don't talk about you know the court staff things along those lines um should shouldn't be a problem for him and certainly the danger there is if he violates it what do you do if you're a judge do you put him in a jail cell do.

You force him to write a check what happened so I I think everybody involved doesn't want to see us pass that line but of course it's Donald Trump and John santui can tell you better than anybody whether or not he's going to respect that gag order I'll tell I'll tell you the answer no I mean he has no self-control at the end of the day right.

I mean this is Donald Trump who feels that he is a victim here so any chance he can to fight back the only thing that will hang over him jail or fines and if those start to rack up or actually become real and we've seen that this judge is not messing around that could dissuade him then he'll be able to pull in the reins just a bit totally I've.

Seen some defendants have to write essays that would be an interesting one if he was held in contempt of course that would be stunning yeah I don't think jail is going to happen because just the logistics of it but an essay or fine like type an essay yourself saying I didn't mean to or I've had many clients.

Have to write essays for showing up late to court and being held in content and yeah I wonder just somebody else write it all right let's check in with ABC's Trevor ult who is downtown there in Manhattan uh waiting for the former president to arrive and Trevor you mentioned earlier there were uh people there Gathering already uh what are we.

Seeing what are we seeing both sides here Trump's supporters and those who are against the former president yes although to be clear we're not seeing gigantic numbers there's not really huge demonstrations going on at least so far you can see over my shoulder here a lot of the prot Trump demonstrators waving their Flags this is.

Where they've gathered for uh previous appearances of the former president at this Courthouse you also notice the barricades that have been set up by police what tends to happen at least in my experience here is that naturally these groups of demonstrators separate on either side and while there's not a lot of demonstrators so far and we don't.

Know how big these demonstrations are going to be today uh at least some of these people do appear to potentially be seeking out conflict not necessarily violence but we have seen a few shouting matches play out already some between uh Pro Trump demonstrators and anti-trump demonstrators a few there was just a little bit ago there was a man wearing a.

Latinos for Trump hoodie who was arguing with a man who was holding up an anti-semitic sign uh to refer to that man as trash uh and so you know while it is generally uh safe so far generally calm there is a a bit of a heavy tension that is hanging in the air we've been watching ing as some of the anti-trump demonstrators have been kind of filing.

Up here towards the park 2 it's still very early in the morning Stephanie so we know that could definitely get a lot more crowded here before we know that police have been taking steps to prepare for those possibilities Steph absolutely and we'll check in with you throughout the morning let's check in with Aaron now Aaron what can you tell us about.

What's going on uh just right out there where you're positioned and also what's going to happen inside the courtroom once Trump arrives you know I I was struck just noticing the the people that are lined up to go through security and they are in all likelihood the potential jurors here I see a number of them carrying their jury.

Summons and can you imagine walking into the 15th floor courtroom and seeing the former president of the United States seated there and knowing that you could well be chosen to sit in Judgment of him in this historic first criminal trial of a former American president once that jury selection does get get underway the potential jurors are going to be asked a.

Series of 42 questions to try and weed out bias the the judge the prosecutors the defense attorneys know everybody's heard of Donald Trump but they want to make sure they can set aside that view and not have it impact their ability to be fair and impartial so they'll be asked things like have you ever attended a trump rally have you ever attended an.

Anti-trump rally do you follow him on social media where do you get your news that was an important question for the defense because they'd like to know how people ordinarily filter their information if at all and so the the the these questions are going to be put to each one of the potential jurors this process uh the court is prepared to have.

Last two weeks if necessary and of course we know those potential jurors can't really talk to the media about this but I would imagine that there's there's some sort of an excitement there because as as we've all said this is a historic trial so to be a part of that jury pool that would be just astonishing uh John I want to bring you.

In we're talking about the jury oh sorry go ahead Aran you know I was going to say you know that it people may be excited for it in fact they'll they may beforehand watch a video narrated by Abc's Byron pittz who some years ago put together the sort of promotional video for what jury selection is all about of course.

This is going to be a most unusual Vader given the the nature of the case but I think uh and and and Brian and Chris may tell you this the the lawyers on the case probably do not want a a potential juror seated if that person is eager to be on the jury because that may be a sign that they have a view one way or another or or could potentially want to.

To benefit from their service somehow uh but that's one of the things that the the lawyers will try to discern what people's level of interest is and why they may be so Keen to serve if they signal that they do that is a really good point eron and because of course it it' probably be difficult for them to contain their excitement I will say I.

Have always wanted to serve on jury duty but as a military active duty reservice I cannot I have not been asked to but uh John hard to find a juror without an opinion about the former president well and it's interesting I mean jumping off what Aaron and Brian were talking about earlier first of all we didn't get a chance to talk some Ting that we both.

Said we needed to talk before this but you said something that I actually wanted to talk to you about offir which is did they go through through the voter roles in New York to see how it turned out they did we didn't talk so you were you're good you're good listen at least you're better at this I think I'm here because of my legal expertise no but.

It's interesting because one of the things they did do the Trump team went through all of the polling results the exit polling results and whatnot from previous races and what they found is that in the last election 15% of Manhattan residents voted for Donald Trump so when they looked at all of the Burrows of Manhattan they said Staten.

Island be great for us Manhattan is the worst for us and obviously they lost their efforts to try to move the case to a different burrow here Stephanie but what I do think is interesting if you look through the 42 questions that have come out of this juror questionnaire you know it's questions that are pretty typical if you will you know opinion.

About crimes Etc but then things that are just interesting right they ask about uh different ways uh people consume news and information they talk about you know major Publications New York Times USA today but they also mention social media they write in here do you you know subscribe to truth social which is the platform of course.

By the former president they go through several books uh that have been written about this case one of which is Revenge written by Michael Cohen obviously he's going to be a star witness for prosecutors here so I do think just the way that they've spent 42 questions in this question they went out to thousands of New Yorkers to try to pull people in.

To this potential case I think it does just show how many um different issues they're trying to mitigate right for any potential juror that's going to be coming into these proceedings to find 12 jurors and six alternates correct and that's going to be the goal and it's going to be tough it certainly is uh Chris I want to check in with you walk.

Us through the nuances of this historic case sure so I mean I think one of the bigger things and and we don't want to lose this when we're talking about jury selection is looking for leaders that are in this particular case I mean because everybody sort of falls on a spectrum of are they a follower or are they a leader and so the the strikes.

That you're going to use the peremptory strikes the tent strikes that each side has a lot of times when you're thinking about how to exercise that bias is one factor but the other factor in it is how big a leader is this particular person going to be are they going to be talking in the jury room are they going to be creating their own faction and so a lot.

Of those questions on there that seem fairly innocuous like you know what is your employment what do you do they're looking for things like is this person a supervisor at work do they have the power to hire and fire and if they do have they ever fired anyone before when I was a prosecutor if there was somebody in a jury room or in a in a jury pool.

That had uh the ability to hire and fire and they'd fired somebody in the past I realized that that was somebody who would not hesitate at all to find somebody guilty if the evidence was in that particular direction Stephanie that is very interesting all right uh John prosecutors are also expected to outline two other alleged payments what can you.

Tell us about those so the goal here is to show that catch and kill right which is this idea of finding a story catching it and then killing it by paying it off was common practice for Donald Trump and his onetime close friend David pecker the publisher of the national Inquirer what they're going to show is that in two separate instances Karen McDougall.

Being another woman a former Playboy model that Donald Trump allegedly had a monthlong affair with was paid $150,000 to make her story of trump go away leading up to the 2016 election there's another case involving a former Dorman similar circumstances it involves Trump's personal life less money but again this idea that it would be.

Damaging to Donald Trump it could impact the election it could impact his personal life so thus he paid it and made it go away the case about Stormy Daniels though and why this is the one that's criminal is that it gets into the method by which Donald Trump pcker Michael Cohen and others covered it up right the falsifying of Records right.

Saying that it was expenses for legal expenses coming back to Michael Cohen in 10 separate payments that happened after the 2016 election and of course that the goal in part was that the payment was made in the fall of 2016 because in Trump's eyes according to prosecutors it would impact Donald Trump's efforts or chances to win the 2016 election so it.

Is election interference I know that's really confusing for our viewers because so many times Stephanie as you well know we say the words election interference in Donald Trump we think of the 2020 election because of how vocal he has been about rigged and stolen but nevertheless the term applies to 2016 given this payment was made to in.

Prosecutors Theory and what they're are going to argue to make it go away to the election before the election took place all right we are let's take a look at these live images here the former president arriving at the courthouse here in New York City in lower Manhattan we saw him as he walked out of Trump Tower uh earlier this morning waving to.

Those who were outside we saw him get into his vehicle and there he is now uh stepping out of the vehicle in lower Manhattan heading into court uh for this historic trial uh Chris we're we're talking about these payments here uh they were Alle that were allegedly made before the election how do you expect prosecutors to use those other payments.

To build their case sure so what uh you know you're allowed to use what's called similar transactions or or 404b evidence or evidence of other acts to prove your existing case if the court allows you to do it and so what they're going to want to do is talk about those additional payments as further Evidence even though they're not charged here they want to.

Suggest that look this shows that the intent behind the payments that he was making to to you know stormmy Daniels through Michael Cohen was to to cover this up for the election I mean I think that the defense here and Brian can tell you better than anybody what how to raise a great defense in a Manhattan courtroom but the defense wants to say.

No no no no no this was catch and killed because he didn't want to embarrass his family which wouldn't be a crime even if those business records were fraudulent it would however be a crime or or or to cover up the crime if it was for the purpose of the election Stephanie so I mean that's really the difficult part that that the prosecutors have to prove.

Is exactly why he was making those payments and so those additional acts that you're talking about those additional acts are going to come in to show that no this is election related this wasn't about his family Stephanie thank you for that Chris all right we are now going to switch over to our network coverage here in just a few.

Moments right now live images uh first before we get to that of the former president there arriving in lower Manhattan for this historic trial John what do you think is going through his mind right now I I think Donald Trump and part is saying to himself right now how did I get here how did this happen you know and it's funny you talk about.

That image of Donald Trump walking out waving Donald Trump had a habit back in the day um before he was a candidate Trump of walking out of that Fifth Avenue Apartment his Fifth Avenue building and sometimes walking around the building Stephanie and he did it because Donald Trump just wanted to see if he was recognized he would do a.

Little spin he talks about this he'd walk out the side door walk around Gucci just to see if somebody would catch his eye somebody would recognize that was Donald Trump obviously that was a long time ago every New Yorker at this point I would argue knows who Donald Trump is and what he looks like but I do think there's a difference of walking out of.

That building to be noticed and a difference of heading to a day that's going to be so hard for him I think everything for Donald Trump's bravado of I'm ready to take this I'm curious to see what those images show I mean our our colleague Peter har lumbus did a fascinating piece talking about uh Donald Trump from the sketch artist.

Perspective right as people sat there and captured an image of him we'll obviously see an image soon enough of him walking into court there's no cameras in in New York State Court unfortunately but we will have some still images of him sitting there and I do think the demeanor of Donald Trump is important right as our colleagues who.

Have been in the room have described it over time uh Donald Trump is often muttering to himself he's looking around he he he's very sunken right this is not the the Brash bravado of Donald Trump that we see on the campaign Trail this weighs on him this annoys him he does doesn't want to be here I do think that's critical absolutely we're going.

To switch over to the network uh they are coming on the air right now with special coverage of this historic trial this is an ABC News special report good morning everyone I'm lindsy Davis we are coming on the air for a moment never before witnessed in American history a former president on criminal trial Donald Trump just arrived.

At the courthouse in lower Manhattan for the start of his criminal trial here in New York City Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records which include allegedly concealing a hush payment to adult film actress stormmy Daniels just days before the 2016 election he is the first president past or present to ever stand.

Trial and this is the first of four cases for Trump and his legal team Trump is trying to juggle his legal battles at the same time he is running for president I want to get right to ABC's Aaron cury who's outside of the courthouse for us in lower Manhattan and Aon of course we've been talking about how this is unprecedented but just give.

Us a a sense of of what you're seeing out there what you're witnessing on the streets in Manhattan traffic was briefly halted Lindsay pedestrians stopped in their tracks on the sidewalk as former president Trump's motorcade pulled up and he entered this Courthouse to both cheers and booze from a small group of.

Protesters gathered outside helicopters flying overhead he is after all a former president and the Republican nominee in 2024 so the security is extra everything about this is extra on one hand a criminal defendant going inside this Courthouse to stand trial is nothing new this Courthouse has seen all manner of mobsters and murderers but the country.

Has never seen anything like this a former American president on trial as a criminal defendant Trump is now headed up to the 15th floor of the courthous where he's going to enter a rather drab dreary room and that's where he's going to be spending most of his time potentially for the next couple of months seeking the White.

House from the 15th floor of this Courthouse that he has used to his political Advantage although the consequences here are certainly potentially dire because Lindsay these charges if he's convicted of them and he denies them could land him in prison for up to 4 years and of course we just saw moments ago him leaving Trump Tower.

Before uh making that trk downtown to the the courthouse I know you've talked about before prospective jurors are even brought in today the judge may start uh with a brief hearing what would that be about this would be about the potential former president Trump decides to testify if that happens and he said he's thinking about it the prosecutors would.

Want to ask him all manner of potentially embarrassing questions about his sex life about civil cases where he's been held liable for sexual assault and defamation of egene Caroll of civil business fraud and the defense wants the judge to set limits on what prosecutors could ask this is called a sand of all hearing it's common in New York State.

Court when a defendant is thinking of taking the stand in his own defense and it may precede the start of jury selection but once that gets underway prospective jurors carrying their jury summons who have been through security are going to walk into that courtroom see the former president and wonder whether they'll be picked to sit in.

Judgment of him and Aaron before we let you go jury selection expected to last how long could be up to two weeks if necessary the potential jurors are being asked 42 questions to weed out any potential bias the loyers here know everybody in that room has heard of Donald Trump the question is whether.

Their view of him uh can get in the way or not of being fair and impartial Lindsay Aaron kki for us want to now bring in our trial attorney an ABC legal contributor Mr Brian Buck by Brian give us a sense of how difficult it's going to be to select a jury in this case extremely difficult but the judge has created some parameters to try to make.

That easier ultimately we're going to find someone who doesn't have a bias one way or another but they may know about the president about this case but they're willing to put that aside to Listen to Only the evidence and information that both sides present to ultimately give a verdict whether it be guilty not guilty or worse case scenario.

Potentially a hung jury so many people will be watching Brian Buck we appreciate your expertise here and our coverage continues on ABC News live and abcnews.com we'll have complete details on World News Tonight with David Mir for now I'm Lindy Davis in New York have a good day this has been a special report from.

ABC News you're watching ABC News live special coverage of this historic first ever trial of a former president set to begin in just a few moments former president Trump has arrived in court in New York City for jury selection in the hush money case against him there is an image there as he walked out of Trump.

Tower uh earlier this morning the Manhattan district attorney charged Trump with falsifying business records to conceal payments he allegedly made to Stormy Daniels through his then attorney Michael Cohen Trump pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges last year calling the case election interference and a Witch Hunt the judge has imposed a limited gag.

Order keeping Trump from making comments about jurors Witnesses individual prosecutors and the families of the judge and the district attorney but Trump has pushed the boundaries of that order targeting some witnesses and the judge's daughter on social media the former president has campaigned on his legal battles telling his supporters he.

Wears the indictments as a badge of honor most of the Republican party has rallied behind him even as some privately admit the allegations make them deeply uncomfortable we have full team coverage as jury selection is set to begin shortly I want to bring in ex executive editorial producer John santui uh John we are learning the proceedings.

Today may start with a hearing over what prosecutors can ask Trump during cross examination should he take the stand what are your thoughts on that will that even happen well listen Donald Trump has said now twice when asked by ABC News in the last several weeks Stephanie that he will indeed take the stand he's not against it he said at one point um you.

Know listen I think Donald Trump himself believes he is his own best messenger defense lawyer Etc and look go back just a couple of weeks when we were in the New York attorney general civil case Donald Trump did take the stand he was up there for quite some time and believed that he did a good job so in this case which Donald Trump adamantly.

As we know is angry about livid feels it as all a Witch Hunt of prosecution if Donald Trump in his view believes he can do something to help this go away or if he feels that others have not done a good job because remember we often use this phrase with Donald Trump playing to the audience of one right when others are on TV defending him he's the first.

Person to call with an instant revieww if Donald Trump is not satisfied by the team of lawyers that are representing him to have done the job Donald Trump will take the stand and do it all on his own we will watch for that we saw him walk out of chum Tower this morning he seemed to be walking alone he waved to the crowd what are your thoughts on his.

Travels down there with did do you think he has a team with him do you know he has a team with him he absolutely has a team with him and I would divide it actually into three buckets first you saw in that image when he emerged as he was pumping his fist in the air Todd blanch who's become frankly Donald Trump's busiest attorney blanch is.

Leading this case he is also leading the two criminal probes brought by special counsel Jack Smith other attorneys a part of this legal team going with him and we're told Stephanie that legal team is going to be making this commute with Donald Trump every day as these proceedings in New York continue the second group is the campaign staff we.

Know that several of his top AIDS are going to be rotating in and out over the course of the proceedings because they are still running the Trump 2024 campaign but I do know of several AIDS including his lead spokesperson senior adviser Jason Miller is with him today along with others the third Camp which is is interesting this is going to be a.

Rotating cast if you will right loyal AIDS Trump organization employees others that have been around with Donald Trump and others that have really been close to him and one person that we did see our Katherine falders who who's always eagle died on these things pointed it out to me Walt NADA Walt NADA is that Aid you'll recall Stephanie that was.

Indicted along with Donald Trump in the documents case brought by special counsel Jack Smith not a was with Donald Trump when he went to all of these arraignments all of these hearings right by his side today no exception still there John thank you I want to bring in Chief Washington correspondent John Carl Big Picture This is clearly significant.

This is a historic trial what are you watching for today well it's a big moment I mean it's this is the first time we've seen a former president of the United States go on a trial criminal trial it's the first time we've seen a major party presumptive nominee for president go on trial in the middle of a.

Presidential campaign and I I think what's significant here among many things is that Donald Trump is there today he doesn't need to be there uh this is jury selection uh the uh the defendant does not need to be there while jury selection is underway uh but he has chosen to do this uh he's clearly uh irritated and angry you can just uh.

Check in on his uh truth social feed at any moment of the day or night uh to see uh how is lashing out the very notion that he is under trial but he is also making the fact that he is under trial essentially the centerpiece of his presidential campaign there is no real distinction between the campaign and the trial and of course the larger context.

Here is this is the first trial but it is certainly not the last trial uh this is uh on virtually every measure by every measure the least significant of the legal Jeopardy uh that that Trump faces uh he uh this is a case where even if he is found guilty uh it is unlikely to result in actual jail time uh the other cases the classified documents.

Case uh the uh the federal case alleging uh he attempted to overturn uh the presidential election illegally uh and of course the case in Georgia all uh are face are all much more significant and serious allegations that could result in serious years of of jail time but still significant because it's first it's something we just haven't seen in.

American history we certainly have it and as you said John the first but certainly not the last this is the first of four criminal prosecutions Trump is facing and may be the only one before the election John thank you so much I want to bring in senior investigative correspondent Aon kkki aarin what's at stake for former president Trump in this.

Case and what consequences uh could he face if convicted I know John touched on it just a bit there with possible jail time possibly no jail time what are your thoughts it it's certainly possible if the Manhattan District Attorney's office is successful here that the da Alvin Bragg could ask for prison time as part of the sentence I'm not sure how likely.

That is uh given Trump does not have a criminal record this is a non-violent offense and he's a former president like what do that Arrangement even look like but but politically and I think this has played out in some of the opinion polls around the primaries Americans may look at a conviction a little bit more consequentially so there are both.

Political and legal consequences at stake here but we're alwayss from that because jury selection is just now getting underway and one of the things jurors will be reminded is that they're not to think about the potential outcome of their verdict they just want to listen to the evidence and make a call without thinking of the consequences for.

Trump himself I want to bring in our uh senior Congressional correspondent Rachel Scott in just a moment but before we do that let's take a live look uh inside the courthouse where former president Trump is attending jury selection in the CRI this criminal hush money case we saw him walk in just a few moments ago uh Rachel thank you so much.

For joining us Trump's Court appearances of course have become unofficial campaign events he often uses them as as you know as an opportunity to air his Grievances and rally his supporters what are you watching for there and what impact could this have on his campaign look it could have a big impact we are just six months out from the.

November election and just take a moment I we really cannot underscore here just how unprecedented and striking this is to have the presumptive Republican nominee not in a Battleground state right now 6 months out from election day but inside of a courtroom I mean we have never seen this before to have the presumptive party nominee who is also.

Now a criminal defendant John talked about his campaign staff rotating in and out again not of a critical Battleground state that they need to win back in order to get the White House they'll be rotating in and out of New York City as the former president stands trial and when we zoom out here and look at this politically yes we know that the former.

President has used these legal charges to really supercharge and energize his campaign his campaign is already fundraising off of this trial today the former president is firing off one truth social post after another but when we look at the long term what does this mean until the November election when we look at polls we dig in through those.

Cross tabs we see that even Trump's own supporters 133% according to a recent ipsos poll would not vote for the former president if he were to be convicted of a crime as a whole according to that same poll 24% of Republicans say they would not support him if he were to be convicted of a crime that is a huge major red flag for the former president.

When we're looking at these Battleground States and seeing just how tight this election could be Stephanie and it's certainly something that his teams who are with him there this morning are thinking about thank you Rachel I want to bring in ABC's legal contributor Brian buckmire Brian we've spoken about this hundreds of potential jurors are.

Being questioned uh walk us through how exactly this selection process is going to work so just do it really quickly first the judge will invite everyone to come in depending on what the judge wants you may see anything from 40 50 60 people coming at a time he'll he'll just give a a brief summary of what the case is about it's about falsification of.

Records this is what the prosecutor is alleging probably would not give much about what the defense is is arguing at that point but both sides have decided what is appropriate for the judge to introduce this case on do you know the parties who are here do you uh know anything about the case and then from there he will allow the jurs to kind of.

Self- Select in terms of saying I can't do this because I don't understand the English language well enough because I am truly biased about this because whatever Myriad of of reasons and typically the way that works out the judge would say you know okay you recognize Brian buck the defense attorney from ABC come up here we'll see.

Whether or not this is a reason to disqualify you the jet says you know what the chaos of this case we're just going to release everyone off the bat from going from there then as as Aaron kki has talked about those 42 questions people who survived that first round will get those 42 questions and then we'll start to whittle away and Whittle.

Away and each side would have an opportunity to give their own questions to some degree to see who they're going to select and we were talking about this earlier how hard it'll be to find a juror that doesn't have an opinion of the former president of course the judge most likely insisting that this needs to be done fairly uh want to bring in ABC's.

Contributor and former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons Trump is of course charged with falsifying business records to conceal criminal conduct uh what does the district attorney need to prove here so they've got to prove two things I mean first of all it's kind of obvious but you've got to prove that those are false records U but probably.

More important I don't think that's going to be much of an issue in the trial but probably the bigger issue is why was he falsifying those records was he doing it to cover up an illegal campaign expense or was he doing that to protect his family I mean that's the argument that the defense is going to make and Brian buckmire can tell you you.

Know what the defenses are here better than anybody but from a prosecution side what I'm worried about is can I make that final Point can I prove that the purpose behind those payments was to cover up uh some or or to assist with the campaign expenditure that was going to help him get elected and so you know intent is always a tricky thing to prove.

Because you don't have a scanner where you can go in and look at exactly what somebody's thinking so you have to look at the evidence around it and part of what we talked about a little earlier was those those other acts that were going on in the case but also the timing of all of this um was you know right before the 2016 election and so that.

That sort of makes a little obvious but still when jurors get back there and they're making their decisions on in 10 it's always one of the things that the prosecution's worried about Stephanie and we also know that U the Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg uh plans to introduce evidence about two other payment City alleges Michael Cohen and.

Trump coordinated uh to suppress that negative information we will hear more about that throughout the day I'm sure John I want to uh check in with you we we could hear from some witnesses who were very close to the former president how critical is that testimony I I think this will be remarkable you're going to see some people who have known Trump for.

A long time and have been uh extremely close to him people uh uh in a couple of cases who have been with Trump since long before he was uh a presidential campaign uh uh candidate uh hope Hicks is who you recall is the uh the spokesperson for the Trump campaign in the very early days an employee of the Trump organization before uh Trump was a.

Candidate and one of the the you know very closest advisers in those early days who served all four years uh in the Trump white house uh will be testifying I I assume the the uh the line of questioning with her is is how concerned the campaign was was about the allegations of of trump paying off a porn star or the allegation of having an.

Affair with a porn star coming out in the midst of the campaign also Rona graph uh a a longtime uh uh Trump uh essentially executive secretary in the Trump organization uh uh could be taking the stand uh we also uh May likely uh hear from uh stormmy Daniels herself uh maybe even Karen McDougall the uh the former uh Playboy uh model uh who Trump.

Allegedly had an affair with and uh who um uh you know her story uh was killed by the national Inquirer and we'll hear you know I think finally from David pecker who is the uh the top executive at the national Inquirer and a close Trump Ally uh who had assured allegedly uh the uh uh the former president the then candidate uh that he would work to.

Do so-called catch and kill uh get stories that were being shopped around uh that would impact Trump negatively during the presidential campaign and allegedly kill those stories uh uh with payments uh so hearing the testimony it's one thing you know to to to read the stories to uh to uh look through what's been investigated on this but to.

Actually see people on the stand uh uh speaking under oath um and answering questions about the uh about the this whole episode uh is an entirely different thing and of course uh the star witness of it all is going to be uh Michael Cohen Michael Cohen who I I knew again well before Trump announced he was a presidential campaign he was uh his.

Attorney he was his fixer there was nobody more fervently loyal uh to Donald Trump than Michael Cohen I mean he had at one point had said he would take a bullet for the Donald uh this was somebody who was extremely uh close to him but is now uh in a vou enemy of Donald Trump seen as a traitor he is the one at the heart of this case because he.

Is the one who physically made the payments to stormmy Daniels uh to uh to not speak about her Affair alleged affair with Donald Trump so many key players a real life reality show playing out today uh John as you know this historic trial against the former president is of course bringing a lot of attention to the New York Court House.

Where jury selection is happening uh this morning we want to check in with ABC's Trevor alt now who is downtown outside of the courthouse Trevor how is it looking now some time has passed I know you said there was a small group that had gathered uh earlier this morning but what are you saying M yeah there's been a few more people.

That have been pouring in here Stephanie and there was a little bit of a fervor as the former president did pull up to the courthouse you can see a lot of prot trump demonstrators here on the other side of the barricade so we're in a park across the street uh from the courthouse and what they actually tend to do they have these barricades they have two.

Different ones that work their way right through the middle of the park here now it's very easy to walk around them but we have found in the past is that people kind of tend to naturally separate themselves based on the political camps that they tend to fall in obviously on the far side over here you have the prot Trump demonstrators so far there have.

Been a small handful of anti-trump demonstrators not a whole lot but also it can be a little bit difficult to gauge just how many people are here demonstrating given uh the amount of cameras that we're seeing here in fact earlier this morning we saw a prot trump demonstrator and an anti-trump demonstrator having an argument just.

Those two people but surrounding them was about two dozen people who were filming the whole thing that's kind of Representative of what we're seeing here so far this morning we do know that the police are prepared for larger demonstrations we're expecting to hear a press conference from an anti-trump group a little bit later in terms of the.

People that we're seeing right now I mean you see all of the flags that are flying on the right here you have a flag pole with two flags interestingly Stephanie it's not just Trump 2024 it's also Trump 2028 indicating that they don't want just Donald Trump to win again they want him to then uh go further and have a third presidential.

Term these are kind of the Trump supporters that uh are here today the Trump or no one else or I believe the sign says keep America Trump not uh make America great again uh we are expecting also a few members of uh The Fringe members of the Republican party to show up walking around here so far this morning we've seen Rudy giuliani's son.

Andrew kind of walking about floating between groups and we've also heard that potentially the disgraced former Congressman George Santos may be coming by here as as well not huge demonstrations at least so far but there is a little bit of a a tension in the air as you might imagine and the NYPD says they are prepared for that thank.

You so much Trevor and for those who are just joining us just want to recap uh where we are right now jury selection in Donald Trump's New York hush money case is about to begin marking the beginning of the first criminal trial of a former president you're looking at a live image there inside the courthouse right here in New New York City in downtown.

Manhattan we saw the former president walk in through those doors we saw him walk out this morning out of Trump Tower as he was making his way downtown outside Trump Tower waving to those who were outside and jumping in that vehicle that was waiting for him we saw him walking through these doors and we may be seeing him here shortly uh and he'll.

Most likely will have something to say about what is taking place today a historic trial I want to check in with Aaron kki who is there downtown man Trump's lawyers of course Aaron have sought several delays in this case we were speaking about this earlier they they argue that the entire process cannot fairly take place in Manhattan.

Where they also argue that too many potential jurors have negative opinions about the former president what's the latest on Trump's attempts to delay this trial he tried three times last week making three different arguments and the appeals court turned him down each time Stephanie at one point as you say he argued that too many potential jurors in.

Manhattan had been exposed to negative stories about him but Trump is a is a national even International figure so prosecutor said people in Manhattan have no more exposure to pre-trial publicity than anybody else in the country and the judge said a lot of the pre-trial publicity was of Trump's own making because he speaks so often in the.

Hallway at court on social media about the criminal charges and the case that he's uh making he also argued the judge's bias that uh the gag order imposed on him is unfair but the appell at court turned him down in his emergency request for a delay though some of those items are still pending even though the trial itself is about to.

Get underway what you're looking at behind those uh tinted glass doors uh is the the private elevator that judges use uh but here given who Trump is the courtesy is being afforded to him and so he'll come up to the 15th floor uh he'll walk through those doors and the courtroom uh is just next door a few steps away but uh.

He does have the opportunity to step toward the camera make remarks as he often has wanted to do when he's in these Courthouse settings Stephanie thank you so much Aaron and Chris I know you're still with us uh what's your take on that do his lawyers have an argument that he can't get a fair trial before we hear your answer we.

Are looking at a live picture there of the former president walking through those doors and Aaron was just describing and he is about to speak we're going to listen in when he does start to speak the former president uh part of this historic trial marking this today marking the beginning of the first criminal trial of a former president.

Let's listen in nothing like this has ever happened before there never been anything like it every legal scholar said this case is nonsense it should never have been brought it doesn't deserve anything like this there is no case and they've said it people that don't NE necessarily follow or like Donald Trump said this is an outrage.

That this case was brought this is political persecution this is a persecution like never before nobody's ever seen anything like it and again it's a case that should have never been brought it's an assault on America and that's why I'm very proud to be here this is an assault on our country and it's a country that's failing it's a.

Country that's run by an incompetent man who's very much involved in this case this is really an attack on a political opponent that's all it is so I'm very honored to be here thank you very much as you just heard there the former president speaking there at the courthouse saying he's there nothing.

Like this has happened before which is accurate this is the first uh trial of this nature there's he's the former president saying there is no case calling it an outrage political persecution uh saying no one has ever seen anything like this also adding this is an assault on our country I want to bring in Jonathan Carl what what do you.

Make of this what do you make of those uh statements by the former president well he also said that this is uh that the current president Al he didn't mention Joe Biden by name and who he was referring to obviously uh is very much involved in this case that's not true it's something he says all the time this is the Manhattan district attorney uh.

Obviously the federal government the uh the White House the president nothing to do uh whatsoever uh with this case but look largely what you see there is a man who is uh facing the first of several criminal trials and saying it's an honor to be there and the case that he is making is one he makes directly to his supporters in each and every rally that.

He does in this campaign and through most of his uh statements on the issues uh on his own social media platform uh he is trying to say that they this this broad sense of they from the president on down his opponents uh in the government uh are Prosecuting him are persecuting him because their real Target is Donald Trump's supporters.

That's the case he is making I am here because their real Target is you I am going to trial on your behalf uh we'll see if that's an argument that plays in a general election a lot of his core uh supporters within the Republican Party the people who go to his rallies over and over again have uh largely come to in some way believe that uh that that.

Trump is basically going there on their behalf taking the slings and arrows because again this broad sense of they the Deep State um the the president all you know the sense that it's a much bigger thing than just uh a a specific criminal case that they're going after Trump because their real Target is their supporters what's interesting is just.

Look at the basics of this case this is a case that a man allegedly had an affair with a porn star and then paid her allegedly $130,000 uh to stay silent about that Affair and funneled those payments through his lawyers and falsified business records uh to to to cover up the fact that he had uh paid uh for uh.

You know to that so-called hush money um it's hard to see how on on a factual basis you would make the case that this is really an effort to go after Trump's supporters that the real Target is Trump's supporters um how many of of of those people out there uh attending his rallies have ever had an affair with a porn star or allegedly paid.

$130,000 to cover it up absolutely and as you mentioned those payments which comprise the of the 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree uh John here we are the day has come he was indicted a year ago he's now in court as expected Trump made statements that sound more like he's at a rally not not in court so was it.

Surprising I guess not so not so much surprising for you to hear him say this is an outrage and this is as John mentioned more of an attack on his supporters as as opposed to himself yeah it's funny you know we all have different ways we take notes I now have my Shand I know what PPP is political persecution that's a phrase that Donald.

Trump has used repeatedly Stephanie over the last year since this first indictment in the Manhattan case happened last March look I do think Donald Trump knows what the next couple weeks are going to be he can say it's an honor for him to be there all he wants the reality is as we see he's angry he's frustrated he's panicked about this in.

One way because the reality is this takes him away from where he wants to be should be with the campaign Trail and a conviction is not good look look at the exit polling data we saw from some of the early states that voted at least 9% in some cases different voters said that a conviction could change the way they view this race that they could move away.

From supporting Donald Trump if he was convicted in any of the four criminal cases that is now going to get tested once this case gets underway if Donald Trump is convicted that's part one part two I do think the other thing we have to remember here is that everything that Donald Trump's campaign is built around right now it's not build a wall it's not.

Lower your taxes it's I'm a victim right look at last year alone $50 million of Donald Trump's campaign cash and super pack went towards legal fees that is what Donald Trump has been raising money for is to make all of these cases go away and pay the people that are helping them there and I do think just that image of Todd blanch standing next to.

Him right this is the guy leading the Trump legal team the lawyers behind him a part of that as well that has changed so much I mean you know John Carl and I I think John we've talked about this a couple times over the years I think we've lost count how many lawyers Donald Trump has gone through since he went down that escalator in 2015 Donald Trump.

Has had so many legal problems but none of them none of them have come to where today is trial and the defense of course saying that this case is a fantasy unsupported by evidence and testimony we shall see uh Brian I will ask ask you how you would defend this case in just a moment want to check in with senior Congressional correspondent Rachel Scott.

Rachel Trump has put his legal battles front and center in his campaign he has not shied away from that how is that playing with his supporters supporters that you've spoken with yeah you know on one hand it is energizing a lot of his base and we see that when we go to these rallies of course the former president really blazed through this Republican.

Primary which was very crowded at one point he is the presumptive Republican ninee his takeover of the RNC is now complete Lara Trump his daughter-in-law uh is serving as co-chair Michael Watley who is someone who has fiercely defended his false claims about the 2020 election also serving as co-chair one of his senior advisers is now working with the.

RNC as well and the former president we were told felt really supercharged after a weekend out on the campaign Trail he loved the big crowds that he got in Pennsylvania but all of that now takes a back seat and when I was watching former president sort of deliver these remarks it reminded me of some of the reporting that John sanui kathern falers and.

Olivia Rubin and I have had uh within the last 24 hours about sort of how his legal team and his campaign team are on two opposite ends when it comes to this the legal team does not want to see the former president out there in front of the microphones making these sort of statements the campaign team does though because at the end of the day this is.

Time that the former president is not spending out on the campaign Trail and so they do want to able to drive home the message they know that the former president is the best Communicator for his campaign directly we talked a little about some of the delays you were talking to Aon kerki about that and it reminded me Stephanie of just how many.

Voters I've talked to when I asked them if they could support the former president still if he is convicted of a crime they take a pause and they go I'll cross that bridge when we get to it and so this is exactly what the former president will have to contend with if he is possibly convicted in this trial what that will mean the political.

Implications of that could be very big for his campaign especially in those Battleground states that he has to win back in order to clinch the White House death certainly could be consequential Rachel thank you Brian I want to bring you in Donald Trump's lawyers have argued that Bragg's case is a deluded fantasy that relies on the testimony of.

A convicted felon of course they're referring to Michael Cohen you're a defense attorney how how would you defend this case very carefully I think it boils down to two different categories it's about credibility and about preserving an issue for potential appeal and I I'll start with the second one this is just as much about the first.

Case as it is about the second case what do I mean by that whether or not Donald Trump loses in this case there is going to be an appeal and what issues flow from this case are going to be the Battlegrounds that I think are ultimately going to decide this case is this a situation of a prosecutor trying to put a square peg into a circular hole.

Where this type of law has never been used for campaign issues the other issue I'll go back to the first one now would be about credibility ultimately the prosecutor is building their case on a man that was convicted of five counts of tax evasion account of making false statements account of lying to Congress making Financial uh false statements all.

Of this and the prosecutor is saying you know what he did three years in a federal prison for lying to everyone he's been before now believe him today and the defense is going to make the argument is how can you we have an actual phrase uh in court that they're going to try to move I think this judge to it's called falsus and Uno falses.

Omnibus if you're false in one thing you can be false in all things and if they can catch Michael Cohen in a lie they're going to try to throughout his testimony alt together and say you can't build a case on a liar we'll see how that plays out um just want to remind our viewers from the start of jury selection to a verdict this trial could run from six.

To8 weeks I want to bring in uh Katherine falers uh this morning may start with a hearing over what prosecutors can ask Trump during cross-examination should he take the stand we spoke about this earlier but Katherine can we expect Trump to testify and what can we expect to hear if he does more of the same more of what we.

Just heard a few moment ago look probably more of the same if I were Trump's lawyers and we know from talking to sources close to his legal team that they probably don't want him to take the stand however he has made clear that he will likely testify so what's happening this morning is a hearing that's typically a standard practice before.

Jury selection it's essentially a hearing to determine what prosecutors can cross-examine Trump on should he take the stand and of course they do this with defendants who have indicated that they want to testify and Trump has told ABC news that he would be willing to so that is likely something that will happen this morning there could be some.

Fireworks from that we can expect Trump's attorneys will push back on what prosecutors will ultimately want to question him on but again that is likely to happen this morning later in the morning moving into jury selection thank you so much for that Katherine and want to bring in Chris uh Timmons TR Trump is charged with falsifying business records.

To conceal criminal conduct uh do you think prosecutors have a strong case here I I do but I think Brian sort of hit the nail on the head in that you know it's a little bit of a technical case here I think in terms of proving the underlying facts look they've got documents you know they're going to be able to show that the payments occurred.

They're going to be able to show that they went to her I mean it's just unusual and to even think about that you know you've got a a presumptive nominee at that point or actually the nominee at that point making payments to a porn star to cover up an alleged Affair I mean that's just you know kind of kind of craziness certainly um something that.

We've seen certainly that something that's unprecedented but I think the you know the prosecutors have got the documents that they're going to be relying on heavily so they're not as worried I would think uh as far as some of the credibility points that Brian brought up earlier although that is the way that that you're going to hit this.

Case he's absolutely right um but from a prosecutorial standpoint Ryan's talking about that that you know Square Peg and a round hole type thing um where you are sort of crafting this Statute in a way that it's never been done before and the jurors might have a problem with that and that's you know in part where the credibility uh could play in if they.

Don't like the witnesses if they don't like the charges they may acquit and again this should take about six to eight weeks prosecutors are expected to present a lengthy case to demonstrate how Trump uses power and wealth Chris thank you so much also our thanks to Ain kerki Jonathan Carl Rachel Scott John sanui and Brian buckmire thank you all.

Very much for your time we will have continuing coverage of the former president's trial all day long but we're also following another major story Fallout over Iran's assault on Israel unleashing hundreds of missiles and drones most of them shot down or failing to reach their target Israel's war cabinet weighing a response as President.

Biden and other world leaders try to prevent further escalation we have Team coverage on the tensions in the Middle East that's coming up next this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee Cent In Russ on the ground in Ukraine close to the FR line from the capital destru Cat 4 storm I Boston is in the bullseye.

Let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America's number one streaming news it's lunchtime in America so what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know you know that sounds pretty.

Good your health your money breaking news pop culture with the biggest Stars music Trends and of course good food GMA 3 what you need to know a third hour of GMA in the afternoon so join us afternoon for everything you need to know I love that with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than.

Any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of Television why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast.

Honored with four Edward R murl Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here hi I'm Andy and I'm Sabrina and we're moms juggling tons of stuff every day like all you.

Moms out there and you know what we love really love Pop Culture so listen now to our new podcast pop culture moms wherever you get your podcast welcome back to ABC News live first Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his War cabinet today to discuss potential.

Responses to Iran's attack the cabinet met yesterday but ended their meeting without making a final decision about a response this after Iran launched a massive missile and drone Barrage at Israel over the weekend two US officials confirmed to ABC news that at least half of them failed before reaching their targets senom says 99 9% of the others.

Were intercepted Chief National correspondent Matt Gutman has the latest from Tel Aviv in Israel the world on edge as Israel waves its response to that swarm of more than 300 Iranian missiles and drones early Sunday targeting military installations in Israel some of them streaking right over the alaka MOs.

Compound Israel's war cabinet convening overnight but announcing no decisions it was one of the largest salvos of B and cruise missiles ever fired but Israel's missile defense system along with a combined International effort led by the US intercepting 99% of those threats including more than 100 ballistic missiles according to the.

IDF US forces alone taking out nearly 90 drones and missiles long before they reached Israel's borders President Biden on the phone with those Airmen Sunday it made an enormous difference potentially saving a lot of lives there was Global condemnation of the attack and the G7 with an emergency meeting late Sunday to coordinate a.

Response some of the missiles did make it past the defenses in a video circulating online verified by ABC News you can see missiles striking Israel's NE team Airbase the aftermath seen here debris from a rocket booster found in southern Israel Israel saying a 7-year-old girl severely wounded was the only casualty key to Israel's success.

Its multi-layered aerial defense system including the Iron Dome which specializes in short range Rockets David sling meant to intercept medium-range projectiles and the arrow designed for long range missiles Iran has made it clear that it considers the matter closed an Israeli official tells me that Israel will.

Likely choose the time in place of its retaliation and there is concern here that a tit fortat style response would permanently change the rules of the game and the US has been very blunt if Israel chooses to retaliate against Iran it'll be doing so alone Matt Gutman for us there in Israel Matt thank you and earlier on Good.

Morning America George Stephanopoulos spoke to top White House National Security spokesman John Kirby about Iran's attack on Israel saying Iran is not the power it purports to be despite its military and ballistic missile capability here's a portion of that conversation Iran and missiles did not get through are they a paper.

Tiger I think this showed not not in addition to Israel's military superiority I I think it did show it did demonstrate uh that Iran uh is not uh the power that it purports to be that it doesn't have that same military superiority want to bring in senior Pentagon reporter Louis Martinez ABC News contributor General Robert Abrams.

And foreign correspondent Tom Sufi bur who is in Tel Aviv Israel for us this morning thank you all for joining us Louie a senior Us official says that the Biden Administration believes that Israel will strike Iran saying most of the world thinks this is over it is not but Iran has made clear it considers the matter closed so how significant is that.

Well Stephanie it's going to be exactly what does Israel do next and we know that the Israeli War cabinet has been meeting but as you said us officials anticipate that Israel will likely retaliate now what happens next if Israel does retaliate and how much will they retaliate against Iran will it be be against proxies will it be directly.

Inside Iran one of the things that I think officials are looking at is if there are Iranian casualties does that mean that Iran retaliates yet again as you heard from John Kirby that Iran maintains a large uh stockhold of weapons uh particularly ballistic missiles uh what we saw there uh being launched this weekend those 115 to 135.

Missiles from inside Iran while merely half of them may have failed to reach their targets they still have a very large inventory inside of Iran they've been working on those programs for years and so there is still the threat that there could be if one retaliation could lead to another and certainly an escalation if that does happen General.

Abrams I want to bring you in according to centcom US forces destroyed 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles out of the more than 300 launched by Iran but many didn't have to be shot down at least 50% of them either failed to launch or failed in flight or crash before reaching their targets in Israel what do you make of that and and was.

This just toes show a force by Iran well first on the on you know not engaging every inbound missile um this is the integrated air and missile defense by Israel and all of their Partners in the region led by the United States and social command um you know this is a sensor electromagnetic sensor program that expands far beyond just.

Israel and it gives us absolute Clarity on the trajectory of inbound missiles so you get to save a lot of money and save a lot of missiles by not having to shoot down everyone if it's going to land in the middle of the desert so that's Point number one I I think that this is uh the display that we saw on Saturday from Iran uh poorly synchronized poorly.

Executed and well defended by a well-trained well equipped Israeli Force as well as the other partners in the region um so I think the the outcome the minim very minimal damage um was you know likely to happen based on all of those factors but there's still more to come and we'll just have to wait and see what Israel responds.

With and and in general we overnight us officials said it would not participate in any Israeli Counterattack but could that change if this all escalates I don't uh I would take the the White House and others at their word I don't see um this in vital national interests of the United States to participate in any followon attack by.

Israel into Iran but having said that there are there are we have lots of US forces in the region and there is a chance that our US forces could become targets um you know today tomorrow later this week again as they have been over the last few months uh so we'll just have to wait and see what the US response will be yeah we certainly will.

Thank you Tom I want to bring you in the president met with the G7 how are world leaders reacting to this what have you heard well I think you know similar to the US allies like the UK and France are lining up behind the White House and calling on Israel for a restrained response but I think you know one element of this which is fascinating.

It's sensitive and significant is the role that Arab Nations neighbors of Israel played in this we know that Arab Nations allowed Israeli Jets and other Allied Jets to operate in their airspace Jordan Saudi Arabia a Us official us that Arab Nations radar were also key in detecting targets as they fly towards Israel but Israeli officials are being C.

About other elements of that Collective defense from Arab Nations because of course at any time it would be a sensitive matter for those governments but of course after six months of war in Gaza and a very high level of suffering in the Gaza Strip it's an incredibly sensitive matter of course Israel officials a briefing I was just on.

Really talking up the role the United States played in coordinating that overall response involving France the UK even Germany in terms of refueling aircraft saying that you know that US general Michael Killa who was here in Israel just a day before the attack uh was vital in setting up that Collective defense and that defense came over.

Months and months of training and coordination and planning and of course critical was also the warning the Intel Israel got before that attack thank you so much we will certainly keep a close eye on how this situation progresses our thanks to Louis Martinez General Robert AB and of course Tom Sufi bur thank you all coming up.

Hannah Gutierrez the armorer on the Fatal set of Alec Baldwin's movie rust is set to learn her fate today what the maximum penalty is plus the day's other top stories right after this break this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee centers in Putin's Russia on the ground.

In Ukraine close to the front line from the capital Cat 4 stor I Boston is in the Bulls let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 247 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America's number one streaming news with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than.

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Get your podcasts welcome back to ABC News live it is a historic day for former president Trump as jury selection is underway in his criminal trial in his hush money case prosecutors put Trump at the center of an alleged scheme to bury damaging stories of an affair before the.

2016 election he has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and that image you're seeing there that was video of the former president uh walking through that uh there in the courtroom walking to the courtroom in downtown manhatt we of course will have Team coverage all day on ABC News live now to some of the.

Day's other top stories the weapons supervisor for Alec Baldwin's film rust will learn her pris sentence today Hannah Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter last month for the death of another crew member who was shot when a gun held by Baldwin went off she faces up to 18 months in prison Baldwin is also charged with involuntary.

Manslaughter his trial is scheduled to start in July ABC News has learned the FBI is now investigating whether criminal wrongdoing led to the crash that brought down the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore sources say agents are now on the cargo ship looking into whether the crew left port with the knowledge something could be wrong with.

The ship six people were killed when the container ship Dolly struck the peers of the bridge on March 26 and the highly anticipated WNBA draft tips off tonight Caitlyn Clark is expected to be the number one pick with Angel Reese and Camila cardoso not too far behind the excitement comes after The Women's NCAA Championship Game Drew.

More viewers than the men's final for the first time ever you can see the WNBA draft live tonight at 7:30 Eastern on ESPN thank you so much for streaming with us on this morning I'm Stephanie Ramos ABC News live is here for you anytime with the latest news context and analysis you can always find us on various streaming services as well the.

ABC News app and of course abcnews.com news never stops we'll be right back with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of Television get ready America every Friday the hottest trends Styles and.

Must have what's the right stuff to buy right now I really love that it's time to buy the right stuff yes and save big time too The Right Stuff Fridays on GMA you're going to love it why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so.

Let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R ml Awards and see why the New York Times called it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here here was a story.

Where's Kate what's going on with Kate of course the mystery of a missing woman and a royal doesn't get more fascinating than that then the moment that silenced everyone it's been a really difficult time I would argue that the royal family were already facing a crisis this Health crisis has given them probably their biggest challenge the crown in crisis.

What is the relationship like between Harry and William today now streaming on Hulu this is ABC News live the crush of families on the ground in Ukraine ABC News live America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 247 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America amica's number one streaming.

News reporting from Burlington Vermont right in the heart of the path of totality wherever the story is we'll take you there you're streaming ABC News live good morning I'm Stephanie Ramos you're watching ABC News live First We are following breaking news this morning on this Monday morning the historic.

First ever trial of a former president getting underway former president Trump is now in court in New York for jury selection in the hush money case against him earlier he addressed reporters and these images here just coming into US of the former president sitting in that courtroom but we heard from the former president earlier today calling this all.

An outrage and saying he is proud to be there this is an outrage that this case was brought this is political persecution this is a persecution like never before nobody's ever seen anything like it and again it's a case that should have never been brought it's an assault on America the district attorney charged.

Trump with falsifying business records to conceal payments he allegedly made to stormmy Daniels through his then attorney Michael Cohen Trump pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges last year calling the case election interference and a Witch Hunt we have full team coverage as jury selection gets underway starting with AB BC news's investigative.

Reporter Olivia Rubin and a look at what's at stake I never thought anything like this could happen for the first time in American history a former president of the United States standing trial on criminal charges these are felony crimes in New York State no matter who you are former.

President Donald Trump fought repeatedly to delay the case beginning today accusing him of illegally hiding payments he orchestrated to pornstar Stormy Daniels to silence her Affair allegations during his 2016 White House bid the evidence will show that he did so to cover up crimes relating to the 2016.

Election multiple judges rejected Trump's last ditch efforts to Halt the trial brought by the Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg now hundreds of potential jurors are being questioned in a courthouse downtown I don't know how you going have a trial that's going on right in the.

Middle of an election not fair not fair lawyers for both sides will Whittle that group down to just 12 jurors and six alternates asking them questions to root out any bias it includes have they ever attended a trump rally subscribed to the conspiracy movement of qanon or followed an anti-trump organization on social media.

The process expected to take as long as two weeks the whole point of jury selection is to find out not just do people know who the parties are involved not just do they know the charges but rather can they set all of that information aside and be a fair and impersonal juror in this particular case the charges 34 counts of falsifying.

Business records the crime not the alleged sexual activity but the paperwork used to keep the payments to stormmy Daniels quiet prosecutors say Trump disguised the payments he made to his one-time lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen for Daniels to bury her Affair claims labeling them instead as legal payments for a non-existent retainer.

Agreement with Cohen he directed me to make the payments he directed me to become involved in these matters prosecutors say those disguised checks cut from the Trump organization to Cohen were part of a larger catch and kill scheme devised by Trump and his allies with the publisher of the national Inquirer together prosecutors say they.

Would repeatedly buy negative stories about Trump only to never publish them he was very concerned about how this would affect the election to help his campaign to help him and the campaign Trump has pled not guilty to the charges and has called the case election interference he also claims the affair with Daniels never happened did you know.

About $130,000 payment Daniels Trump is no stranger to the legal system but he has only come face Toof face with a jury during his presidential bid for the White House once before earlier this year a npers jury heard a civil defamation case brought against Trump by the writer egene Caroll.

Who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s and then defaming her when she went public with her allegations in 2019 there Trump personally analyzed the potential jurors often craning his neck and turning around as they answered questions he never attended the first trial where a jury found him liable for sexual assault.

And defamation of Carol some jurors the second time around in the trial to determine damages against Trump appeared visibly shocked when they entered the room only to see the former president of the United States seated there after days of witnessing Trump's behavior in court including storming out of the courtroom that jury of seven men and two.

Women found Trump liable for defamation and ordered him to pay 83 million doll in Damages we will immediately appeal we will set aside that ridiculous jury now Trump is repeating that process again but these jurors will be charged with deciding a criminal case if convicted he could face them maximum of four years in jail for each of the 34.

Counts and again this is the first of four criminal prosecutions Trump is facing our thanks to Olivia rubed for that report I want to bring in our chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Carl John this is a significant trial we haven't seen this before a trial involving a former president what are you watching for yeah and not only that.

But a trial that's playing out in the middle of a presidential campaign not just a former president president uh but the Republican presumptive Republican nominee for president now uh what I am watching for is how Trump will use the next 6 to8 weeks remember this is a a trial that is going to play out over the course of the next two months throughout.

This uh the a very significant part of of the presidential campaign uh and he doesn't need to be there today during Journey selection but once this trial is underway he is required uh to be there in the courtroom the Court will be in session uh for four uh days a week Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday and he is going to use this as not just uh an.

Effort to defend himself against these criminal charges but he will use it as a center piece of his presidential campaign uh we saw a little dose of that uh just a short while ago when he came out in front of the cameras and called this a political prosecution um and suggested that somehow the uh the body White House was behind what the.

Manhattan district attorney is doing I think we'll be seeing a lot more of that uh but this is a uh this is both an opportunity for Trump to lean into what is the central message of his campaign which is essentially that he has been a victim uh and by extension his uh supporters have been victims of a unfair political prosecution uh but but there's.

A real risk here because we have seen a time and time again uh that voters uh say that whatever they may or may not think of his indictments that actually a a felony prosecution that him being convicted of a felony could well change how they view Donald Trump and John you bring up a good point that the president the former president.

Didn't need to be there today for jury selection I want to bring in our legal contributor Brian buckmire I do want to would like you to break down the jury selection process but Sher with our viewers why he may have shown up today when he doesn't really have to be there well it's a criminal case rather than a civil case so in a criminal case you.

Have the right to be present for each and every proceeding of your case so it's his right to be there with most rights you can wave them as well but put aside for a second I it's hard to that he's the former president he's Donald Trump any criminal defendant should be present during jury selection because it just shows them how much you care in.

Terms of those proceedings ultimately a jury of your peers is going to be making a decision about you and you don't want to be absent for that think about the way we talk about the EG care with Donald Trump that he wasn't there for the guilt phase but he was there uh for the for the sentencing portion there's always that air of did you really care.

Why were you not there and then in terms of your second part of your question in the process again it's going to be the judge having their preliminary statements do you know this person this is the nature of the case this is how long the case will go do you think you'll be able to sit and be impartial in this case for those people who say no.

I can't on the on their own the judge is gonna say you're excused maybe this isn't the right trial for you and then we're going to go through those 42 questions that we've heard uh John and Aaron talk about and potentially an opportunity for either the prosecution or the defense to have their own questions and through that you're going.

To try to get that fair and impartial jury as everyone says but also to a large extent you're going to try to find a jury whether you're the defense or prosecution to someone who's going to be receptive to your theory of the case are as a defense attorney are you going to believe that if I say hey once a liar always a liar don't believe them now oh.

That's a good thing for you maybe the defense wants that prosecu try to eliminate that person the prosecut say well do you believe in law enforcement do do you do you believe in these charges do you think that Donald Trump do something wrong I want that person but their F going to try to get them out and it's a bit of gamesmanship until you.

Get that 12 plus alternates it'll be hard to find a a juror that doesn't have an opinion of Donald Trump and we've spoken about this it's going to be a very difficult process John I want to turn to you our executive editorial producer here what are Trump's attorneys looking for in these Pro prospective jurors well listen they know they're not.

Going to get a Maga supporter that's you know out there waving a flag right but they also don't want somebody that thinks Donald Trump is the worst person in the face of the Earth so they need somebody that's somewhat middle of the road somebody that's followed the case obviously they know that they're not going to get away from that but somebody.

Doesn't have a really strong opinion against Donald Trump one thing I've heard uh from one uh Trump adviser is that look we need somebody um that is open-minded hears us but in some ways he look you know what if you get like a cop or a firefighter or somebody that you know they think would be a trump supporter at least open to his.

Perspective on this that is a win for us I also think that you know it's anybody um that comes in hostile towards Trump I mean Brian we were talking about this earlier is not somebody they're going to want quite literally and obviously in New York there's a lot of that tension but Donald Trump one of the things that we've reported you know Rachel Scott.

Talked about this earlier uh her kathern falders and my colleague Olivia Rubin and I is that Donald Trump still believes there are some New Yorkers that support him and one of the things that we're expecting Stephanie is that during the off days of this trial Wednesdays the day that Donald Trump doesn't have to be in court one of the things the.

Campaign is talking about is campaigning around the Big Apple if you can believe believe it right actually getting into some communities that Donald Trump believes he has some support I'm not sure where that's going to be in New York especially in Manhattan where only in the 2020 election they will won 15% of the vote on the island but.

Nevertheless that's what they believe let's turn to ABC News contributor and former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons Chris Trump is charged with falsifying business records to conceal criminal conduct the case focuses on following the money so kind of walk us through this how can we expect prosecutors to really lay out that EV.

So I think you know Stephanie it's it's not that exciting but a lot of the case is going to revolve around the documents I mean I think they're going to be able to prove that these payments were made you've got the the live witness testimony which obviously has some credibility issues when you're talking about one witness the form of Michael.

Cohen who's been convicted of perjury and then the other witness uh who's Stormy Daniels who is a porn star and obviously is going to have some baggage that's going to be Associated along those lines and with that her former employment uh but I think they're going to focus on the documents I think they're going to focus on kind of.

Consistencies with those documents from their Witnesses I mean the Witnesses are going to take some credibility hits just as Brian talked about earlier uh but you know when you match their their statements up with the documents you can build credibility using those documents to to help you get your case across the goal line uh the other thing though.

Stephanie one of the things I want to touch on with regarded jury selection is it's important to look for leaders when you're talking about who you want on that jury you're not just looking for folks that are going to be unbiased but you really really want to know who's going to be back in that jury room talking who's our potential Foreman.

Because you're going to have jurors that fall into two camps you're going to have folks that are followers and folks that are leaders and when you're in a jury selection type situation you kind of almost have like a a four level Grid where you're looking at people and trying to figure out are they leaders are they sympathetic to my case and if.

They're against us and they're a leader we want to strike them and the former president will sit throughout all of this Chris thank you so much our thanks to Jonathan Carl John santui Brian buckmire uh as well we will have continuing coverage of the former president's trial all day long but we're also following another major story.

Fallout over Iran's assault on Israel unleashing hundreds of missiles and drones most of them shot down or failing to reach their target Israel's war cabinet weighing a response as President Biden and other world leaders try to prevent further escalation we have Team coverage on the tensions in the Middle East and that is coming up.

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America's number one streaming news first thing in the morning there's a lot going on got another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast.

Straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live here was a story where's Kate what's going on with Kate of course the mystery of a missing woman and a royal.

Doesn't get more fascinating than that then the moment that silenced everyone it's been a really difficult time I would argue that the royal family were already facing a crisis this Health crisis has given them probably their biggest challenge the crown in crisis what is the relationship like between Harry and William today now streaming on.

Hulu welcome back to ABC News live first Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his War cabinet today to discuss potential responses to Iran's attack the cabinet met yesterday but ended their meeting without making a final decision about a response this after Iran launched a massive missile and drone Barrage at.

Israel over the weekend and two US officials confirmed to ABC that at least half failed before reaching their targets senom says 99% of the others were intercepted I want to bring in senior White House correspondent Selena Wang senior Pentagon reporter Louie Martinez and ABC News contributor General Robert Abrams and foreign.

Correspondent Tom Sufi Burge in Tel Aviv Israel for more on this Selena I want to start with you we hear President Biden is urging prime minister Netanyahu to slow things down what more more do you know about their conversation yes Stephanie well the president essentially told Netanyahu to take the win that he's already proven.

That Israel's military is superior so from here as you say he should just take it slow think carefully and strategically the President also made clear that if Israel decides to strike back that they will do so alone the president has been deeply concerned since the start of this conflict that this could escalate into a wider War so.

While the US showed it's willing to defend Israel it's staunchly behind that it's not going to go on the ensive now it appears here that Iran is saying they're essentially done here unless Israel decides to respond and they warning they would then respond accordingly so right now the ball is very much in Israel's court but despite.

The pressure we're seeing from us officials onto their Israeli counterparts a senior Administration official says they believe that Israel still will strike back and that this is not over now it's just a matter of time we'll see what happens thank you Selena Louie a senior Us official says that the Biden Administration believes that.

Israel will strike Iran saying quote most of the world thinks this is over it is not but Iran has made clear it considers the matter closed so how significant is that and and what could a possible retaliation mean for that region Stephanie and Selena just said the ball is in Israel's court right now because that Israeli work cabinet is.

Going to have to determine what kind of a response they're actually going to do or undertake against Iran it could be that they could Target proxies it could be that they could actually strike at in inside uh Iran just as Iran did against Israel this weekend how could they go about doing that well one in one one plan long seen has been that Israel with.

Its high-end fighter jets could launch attacks inside of Iran but that means undertaking um long missions that require aab ma refueling now while Israel does have ma refueling the United States has even more and I think what we've seen the message privately being expressed to Israel is that the United States will not assist Israel if it.

Undertakes some kind of a military response against Iran but again Israel has much many capabilities they have longrange ballistic missiles of themselves so that they may not need uh any kind of manned aircraft but again it's all up to Israel now to determine what happens next and then if there are any casualties inside of Iran as a.

Result of this new retaliation we could see things escalate if Iran retaliates yet again uh General Abrams I want to turn to you according to sencom US forces just destroyed 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles out of the more than 300 launched by Iran overnight us officials said it would not participate in any Israeli Counterattack.

And as Louis just mentioned the us staying out of it but could we see that change if this escalates if there is this back and forth do you see the US stepping in at any point well at this point based on all the information that we've seen and heard from you know all the parties and especially from the White House I'd say.

No I don't think we'll see US forces participating in an Israeli direct attack on Iran but we should remind everyone that we we've got a lot of troops there in the Middle East as you know Stephanie and uh there is a good chance that uh there could be collateral damage or even a direct attack against US troops by Iran or by Iranian proxies.

And then that could actually change the calculus in terms of the administration but for now I'd say we should take the administra at its word that they will not participate and authorize participation in an Israeli kinetic attack against Israel I mean against Iran having said that though I'd cave youat by saying Israel has a full range.

Of options both kinetic and non-kinetic and especially with cyber um that could require some us assistance but it would obviously not be known to the world and we of course we'll see with time what direction Israel does go Tom the Israeli War cabinet members are meeting today where officials are considering a response to Iran's attack what's the.

Latest on that yes Stephanie we just had word that the Israeli War cabinet meeting has broken up it's the second meeting of the war cabinet in 24 hours uh we have no indication at this stage whether a decision was reached in that meeting of course I think there is a consensus here in Israel that there has to be a.

Response the question is what type of response the scale of the response and the timing of that response and of course as the general just said yes all options are on the table it could be a Cyber attack uh more Hardline elements in netanyahu's government are pushing for a more Hardline military response directly against Iran but of course.

Allies like the United States other allies in Europe Arab Nations who were critical of course in helping Israel defend itself against Iran in the early hours of Sunday morning they're all pressing Israel to be restrained to not give something to Iran that means that they have to necessar strike back against Israel and then we're into a.

Much more dangerous ball game certainly a situation we will continue to watch throughout the day very closely our thanks to Selena Wang Louis Martinez General Robert Abrams and of course Tom Sufi Burge thank you all this unprecedented attack by Iran now has is asking what could the impact of the strike have on our markets and oil.

Prices our business reporter Alexis christopherus is tracking that part of the story for us good morning Alexis good morning Stephanie I we're taking a look at the oil markets and the stock Market because unrest in the Middle East of course has Wall Street on high alert oil prices are a little changed today after rallying Friday an anticipation of.

Iran's attack on Israel analysts say the risk of escalating Warfare in the Middle East has already been factored into this year's roughly 20% rise in crude oil prices and stocks are actually rallying today after having their worst week in months that's after this weekend's drone and missile attack was largely thwarted by an international effort and did.

Little damage Now Stocks are also reacting to a much better than expected report on March retail sales today that report just the latest proof that Americans continue to spend despite stubbornly High inflation now what happens next with oil and the stock market largely depends on Israel's response to the attack oil prices are.

Currently at a six-month high of around $90 a barrel that's a level we haven't seen since the early days of the Israel Hamas War analysts say if the conflict escalates we could see oil easily top a $100 a Barrel as turmoil in the Middle East then threatens oil supply in that region and could put key shipping routes in Jeopardy if that were to happen it.

Could send gas prices above $4 a gallon and also push inflation even higher remember just weeks ago US Stocks were rallying to record highs on hopes the FED would deliver three interest rate Cuts this year those hopes were dashed after new reports confirmed inflation is back on the rise and in addition to all of this the conflict in the Middle East.

Those March retail sales report reports investors focusing on corporate earnings from major companies that be coming out today and in the weeks ahead they're looking for more clues on inflation and Stephanie the health the overall health of the US economy that happened really quickly it really did thank you Alexis we'll have more of the day's top stories.

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Food GMA 3 what you need to know a third hour of GMA in the afternoon so join us afternoon for everything you need to know I love that with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of.

Television why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with for Edward R mural Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start.

Here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here get ready America every Friday the hottest Trends Styles and must have what's the right stuff to buy right now I really love that it's time to buy the right stuff yes and save big time too The Right.

Stuff Fridays on GMA you're going to love it reporting from Monteray Park California I'm Robin Roberts wherever where wherever the story is we're going to take you there you're streaming ABC News live welcome back to ABC News live let's take a look at some of the day's top.

Stories the weapon supervisor for Alec Baldwin's film rust will learn her prison sentence today Hannah Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter last month for the death of another crew member who was shot when a gun held by Baldwin went off she faces up to 18 months in prison Baldwin is also charged with involuntary.

Manslaughter his trial is scheduled to start in July security at the Boston Marathon is on high alert after law enforcement agencies have identified what they're calling a broad set of potential soft targets for an attack that is according to a threat assessment obtained by ABC News officials say the most significant threat facing this.

Marathon comes from loan offenders and small groups of individuals looking to commit Act of violence particularly at designated viewing areas Boston law enforcement says 48 local state and federal Public Safety organizations will be positioned throughout the city and the path of that race police say they know of no specific.

Threats to the area and in much lighter news the highly anticipated WNBA draft tips off tonight Caitlyn Clark is expected to be the number one pick with Angel Reese and Camila C Doo not too far behind the excitement comes after The Women's NCAA Championship Game Drew more viewers than the men's final for the first time ever.

You can see the WNBA draft live tonight at 7:30 Eastern on ESPN we do want to thank you for streaming with us I'm Stephanie Ramos ABC News live is here for you anytime with the latest news context and Analysis we'll be right back what does it take to be the most watched newscast in.

America an operation to capture Isis Fighters is this our combat Operation Center we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag there's not a tear in it not a tear in.

It how important is this label right here made the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love it great work hi where are you where are you appreciate you thank you David good to meet you is David David yes yes I'm David M I know you are you every.

Night EC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's most watched newscast this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee centers in Putin Russia on the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 stor along I Boston is in the bullseye let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming.

News anytime anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsl America's number one streaming news first thing in the morning there's a lot going on get another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's.

Happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live.

welcome back to ABC News live first I'm Stephanie Ramos We are following breaking news on this Monday morning the historic first ever trial of a former president is getting underway we're getting a look at former president Trump inside the courtroom for jury selection in the hush money case against him.

Earlier he addressed reporters saying he is proud to be there take a listen this is an outrage at this case was brought this is political persecution this is a persecution like never before nobody's ever seen anything like it and again it's a case that should have never been brought it's an assault on.

America the district attorney charged Trump with falsifying business records to conceal payments he allegedly made to stormmy Daniels through his then attorney Michael Cohen Trump pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges last year calling the case ction interference and a Witch Hunt we have full team coverage this morning as jury selection gets.

Underway want to bring in ABC's executive editorial producer John santui ABC's legal contributor Brian buckmire senior reporter kathern falers and ABC's political director Rick Klein thank you all for joining me this morning John I want to start with you we're learning the judge has already denied some of Trump's motions what are you hearing.

From inside the court well for the moment it's really just going through the process of things right setting the C calendar days we're not going to be in we're going to wrap the day early for Passover I mean a lot of the process stuff we're starting to get into the actual motions here the judge already saying that you know he's keeping the.

Case we're going ahead here folks but thanks for trying they're also getting into the beginning portions of what they're going to look for as far as asymmetry with the jury again just going through the motions now Donald Trump according to our Lucian bugman who's watching the feed from the Overflow of court and others that of course have.

Been watching Donald Trump for the last several you know minutes that he's actually been in this courtroom uh say that the former president's demeanor uh is listening intently his arms folded he's moving around in his chair a little bit he's leaning in at certain times I mean taking all of this in right he's flanked by his legal counsel Todd blanch.

Of course the lead attorney on this case for the former president and of course district attorney Alvin Bragg is also in the room Stephanie which is not too surprising we have seen many of the prosecutors involved in the four criminal cases Donald Trump faces have shown up at some point during the proceedings where Trump has been in the.

Courtroom so for this one this is day one this is just the beginning and we've got a lot to go a lot to go and we were speaking about this earlier he didn't really have to be there today for jury selection it's Optics and also the opportunity that was given to him to be there so he made himself present made himself known uh Brian I want to turn to.

You we we just heard John mentioned this about asymmetry that motion on a asymmetry on the juror's questionnaire uh was denied what do you make of that how significant is that it's it's again it's like John said it's housekeeping this is what you hear in terms of trials that I have done trials that other people would do uh but it is significant.

In the sense of you've got to make the the the motion the way we described it when it comes to appeals down the road if you don't use it you lose it in the sense of if you don't make the argument here and the judge makes an incorrect uh ruling if you go and appeal you say well I knew the judge was wrong but I didn't object to it cuz I knew it was wrong I.

Was going to make the argument here an appellant Court would say no no no no no you if you don't use it you lose it you have to make the argument here preserve the issue and then appeal it later Donald Trump knows that this case is not the last one there's going to be an appeal so each and every issue is's going to make sure that every judge and.

Every prosecutor who sees a case dots their eyes and Crosses their teas because if they don't he's going to let this case just live out through appell uh arguments follow this to the letter Brian thank you Catherine I want to turn to you prosecutors are focusing on these payments Trump allegedly made to Stormy Daniels through his then attorney.

Michael Cohen what can you tell us about how they've built their case and what evidence they plan to show and Stephanie as we've been talking about with all the guests this goes back to 2016 that Trump was worried that his election prospects would be hurt if people found out about Stormy Daniels so prosecutors are putting him alleging that he is right at.

The center of this hush money payment that was allegedly wired by his former lawyer Michael Cohen as we've reported we expect prosecutors to rely heavily on on Witnesses former White House employees when Trump was President along with longtime AIDS at the Trump Organization for example we've reported that they expect prosecutors expect to.

Call his longtime assistant R graph who was essentially there for every crucial moment maybe not involved in decision-making in meetings for example uh but definitely a witness and on the sidelines there so obviously this is only jury selection it's probably going to last the whole week we're not into opening statements or them building.

Their case in any way yet uh but that is ultimately down the line what we could see uh from prosecutors in terms of how they plan to build their case and what Witnesses Trump's longtime current and former AIDs that they plan to call right this is just the beginning in this part of the Saga Rick I want to turn to you Trump has used these Court appearances.

As unofficial campaign events we heard him earlier right there at the courthouse he sounded as though he was at a rally how are these legal battles factoring into his messaging and how is that playing with voters yeah we've seen for some time Stephanie how the political and the legal have become one right you when he's talking in outside a.

Courtroom he's talking about politics when he's talking at a campaign rally he's talking about his legal cases they are so linked and and they have no choice now but to embrace the fact that this is the reality that four out of every uh five days four out of every five weekday are going to be consumed by time in court for the foreseeable future.

Just on this one case and that gives the the former president access to a very loud microphone of literal microphones that he can just go to outside of court of course his social media platform is another way to uh to express himself he might be somewhat uh constrained in what he can say and he's been railing about those constraints in attacking The.

Limited gag ruling that's in effect but he still is going to have plenty to say in fact in some cases he may have too much to say uh because uh him him kind of freelancing outside of court about things that just happened inside may not be the best in terms of legal strategy but he's going to be in the news cycle and if there's anything that he knows.

Well it's how to dominate said news cycle um AB absolutely and John we we've been talking about this that we know that the jury selection process is expected to take the week but how challenging is that going to be being that everyone knows who he is 42 questions thousands of New Yorkers receive those 42 questions and thousands.

Are going to pile into that courtroom Stephanie it's going to be extremely challenging because who in the state of New York in the United States doesn't have an opinion or know who Donald Trump is look the other thing you have to remember too less than 15% 12% in the last election 10 the one before that voted for Donald Trump in the island of.

Manhattan so really there's not going to be a Maga supporter that would end up on this case anyway but it's somebody that would at least have an open mind to Donald Trump is what his legal team is going to be hoping for here but that questionnaire those 42 questions some of them basic I had it somewhere I think you took my paper from me Brian but you.

Know one of the things that are on there is that you know do you have a strong opinion of Donald Trump are you a subscriber supporter of qanon a conspiracy theory you know one of the things that jurors are always asked is how they get their news and information New York Times ABC Etc but on this questionnaire they're asked if they are.

Subscribers to truth social Donald Trump's social media platform so all of this is going to be really heavily complicated to wait through I think they're going to take at least two weeks to get this jury and that was my next question can they really get it done week they have and not this week I don't think so I think two weeks I mean you.

Think what do you think you think goes three I don't think so Brian I I'll do the over I I would say over two weeks I give if you're talking you're talking no Wednesdays I'm talking no Wednesdays no Wednesdays four days eight days days I can see it being a 10 to 12 Day selection and that would bring us if you're doing four days a week yeah I.

Don't think it's that crazy you just want to spend more time with me I mean I'm right back here every single day with the break on Wednesdays Catherine we expect to hear and you mentioned this earlier from some former members of Trump's Inner Circle but how critical could their testimony be well it depends but I think it could be extremely.

Critical we've reported uh some AIDs that you haven't heard of they're not household names matter mine westerholt for example she was crucial in the beginning of the Trump White House for example she was his uh top age she was the director of Oval Office operations we have reported that we expect her to be called under a subpoena also and we.

Were talking about this a little earlier Rona graph who's uh Trump's longtime secretary at the Trump organization these are people who while they might not have been crucial to meetings or decision-making were Witnesses and knew everything that was going on in the inner workings of whether it was the White House or whether it was the Trump.

Organization we've also reported longtime Aid hope hick is expected to testify as well so again as you guys have been talking about we're in the early stages here but it will be striking to see these longtime AIDS uh to Trump ultimately take the stand being called by prosecutors for example it will be striking in and in AIDs that.

Have known him for for so long now Brian we we've talked about this the the defense says this is a fantasy UNS reported by evidence and testimony and and and speaking of that evidence obviously the Manhattan da is that mounting evidence that they'll present how would you tackle this as a defense attorney H how would you mount this case.

Against Trump so in the beginning it starts right now at jury selection because what you're looking for is finding a receptive jury what I would say is the facts are the facts but who interprets them is a whole other game uh I've got a baby on my mind I've got a 2-year-old at home if I was to tell you that pasta and apple juice is the.

Greatest meal in the world we would probably disagree but I think our kids would be like let's eat that 5 days a week it's not necessarily the facts that change but who is receiving it and so for the defense team here with Donald Trump they're saying we have a liar who's going to take the stand someone who is a noted liar and we're going to.

Try to paint them as a liar again against Donald Trump are we going to find people regardless of political affiliation where they are in in Manhattan what what they bring into their background are we going to get people who are not going to trust a liar no matter what they say on the stand and then build case around the themes and.

Ideas of that and I think that's the case here for Donald Trump and also dependent on the those those AIDS and those folks that take the stand uh Rick how are Trump's political allies reacting to this trial well some of them are ignoring it uh and going out business as usual it's a very busy week in Washington on Capitol Hill so members.

Of Congress can kind of dig in on that but what it's been striking throughout this process is how many even the people that were his Rivals during the primary season that seems like a long time ago were willing to back up his basic assertion of this being a Witch Hunt um providing with no evidence to to back that up but suggesting that this is all.

Politically motivated and it is notable that this being the first case to go to trial is widely seen as as the weakest and in terms of the politics maybe um the the the the hardest one to make an actual case around that that gets to the law and and that I think has helped Donald Trump along the way certainly it did during the primaries it's the.

General election now though and things will be different and the idea that Donald Trum is going to be dominating the news every day basically for the for the next weeks um suggests that it's going to be a challenge to break through for other candidates like like President Biden so I do think most of his allies have stayed very loyal to him.

Particularly on this case which again is is a little bit more of a tenuous legal argument that's being made a little more indirect than some of the cases around January 6 say or classified documents um I have no no sign that Republicans are going to break with him over this trial but uh we have seen in public opinion poing that if he is convicted of a crime.

There are people saying they're less likely to support him as a result whether that that transfers over into reality remains to be seen exactly if he is convicted we'll see how they react Brian uh by the way I loved your example of the toddler and the pasta and the apple juice that is still on my mind sorry a lot of me at home we can all.

Relate to that we can all relate to the toddler situation but it makes sense it's like who is receiving that information who is receiving that testimony that evidence that is crucial uh but Trump says this case should have never been brought we heard him earlier this morning saying this is an outrage this is political persecution um what do.

You make of that I mean the evidence is there the the the DA has mounted their case but when you hear the former president say this I shouldn't even be here this should have never been brought what do you make of that so this is an argument that a lot of attorneys friends and I have that go back and forth on is a case that should have been brought the.

Facts are the facts and we can all see how those facts may fit into the framework that is falsifying business records in the first degree but what does that mean falsifying business records typically are just a misim you you put a wrong or false information you omit it whatever may be but what the da in this case is saying is that he put.

False information into documents with the intent to commit another crime and the question has always been what is that other crime how are you elevating this from misdemeanor to felony and the facts are the facts yes but the question is as to what his Camp is arguing what many attorneys could make an argument for is why do these facts fit this.

Scenario people politicians have always been paying off people to to keep them silent ndas we're we're following Sean comes and other cases we we've looked at R Kelly and other and we all those other kind of cases where ndas have happen where you pay people to not speak but the question is why is it here that they're rap elevating to a felony level.

And that's where he's saying this is a Witch Hunt this is unique this has never happened before and that's the ground in what he's standing on and we'll see what the defense brings forward and and to prove their case I want to thank everyone who has joined us this morning John sanui Brian buckmire kathern folders and Rick Klein thank you all for.

Your time we of course will have continuing coverage of the former president's trial all day long but we are also following another major story Fallout over Iran's assault on Israel unleashing hundreds of missiles and drones most of them shot down or failing to reach their target Israel's war cabinet weighing a response as President.

Biden and other world leaders trying to prevent further escalation we have Team coverage on the tensions in the Middle East and that is coming up next can you believe it it's 25 years of breakfast and bed surprising moms Across America oh my good oh my goodness and for our 25th.

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Here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R murl Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I.

Bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your welcome back to ABC News live first Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his War cabinet today to discuss potential responses to Iran's attack the cabinet met yesterday but ended their meeting without making a final decision about a.

Response this after Iran launched a massive missile and drone Barrage at Israel over the weekend two US officials confirmed to ABC that at least half failed before reaching their targets senom says 99% of the others were intercepted I want to bring in senior White House correspondent Selena Wang senior Pentagon reporter Louis Martinez.

And ABC News contributor General Robert Abrams and foreign correspondent Tom Sufi Burge in Tel Aviv Israel for more on this Selena I want to start with you we hear President Biden is urging prime minister Netanyahu to slow things down what more do you know about their conversation yes Stephanie well the president essentially told Netanyahu to.

Take the win that he's already proven that is is's military is superior so from here as you say he should just take it slow think carefully and strategically the President also made clear that if Israel decides to strike back that they will do so alone the president has been deeply concerned since the start of this conflict that.

This could escalate into a wider War so while the US showed it's willing to defend Israel it's staunchly behind that it's not going to go on the offensive now it appears here that Iran is saying they're essentially done here unless Israel decides to respond and they're warning they would then respond accordingly so right now the ball is.

Very much in Israel's court but despite the pressure we're seeing from us officials onto their Israeli counterparts a senior Administration official says they believe that Israel still will strike back and that this is not over now it's just a matter of time we'll see what happens thank you Selena Louie a senior Us official says that the.

Biden Administration believes that Israel will strike Iran saying quote most of the world thinks this is over it is not but Iran has made clear it considers the matter closed so how significant is that and and what could a possible retaliation mean for that region Stephanie an Selena just said the ball is in Israel's court right now.

Because that Israeli work cabinet is going to have to determine what kind of a response they're actually going to do or undertake against Iran it could be that they could Target proxies it could be that they could actually strike at inside uh Iran just as Iran did against Israel this weekend how could they go about doing that well one in one one.

Plan long scen has been that Israel with its high-end fighter jets could launch attacks inside of Iran but that means undertaking um long missions that require aab M A refueling now while Israel does have M A refueling the United States has even more and I think what we've seen the message privately being expressed to Israel is that the.

United States will not assist Israel if it undertakes some kind of a military response against uh Iran but again Israel has much many capabilities they have have long-range ballistic missiles of themselves so that they may not need uh any kind of manned aircraft but again it's all up to Israel and now to determine what happens next and then if.

There are any casualties inside of Iran as a result of this new retaliation we could see things escalate if Iran retaliates yet again uh General Abrams I want to turn to you according to sencom US forces destroyed 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles out of the more than 300 launched by Iran overnight us officials said it would not.

Participate in any Israeli Counterattack and as Louis just mentioned the us staying out of it but could we see that change if this escalates if there is this back and forth do you see the US stepping in at any point well at this point based on all the information that we've seen and heard from you know all the parties and.

Especially from the White House I'd say no I don't think we'll see US forces participating in an Israeli direct attack on Iran but we should remind everyone that we've got a lot of troops there in the Middle East as you know Stephanie and uh there is a good chance that uh there could be collateral damage or even a direct attack against US.

Troops by Iran or by Iranian proxies and then that could actually change the calculus in terms of the administration but for now I'd say we should take the administration at its word that they will not participate and authorize participation in an Israeli kinetic attack against against Israel I mean against Iran having said that though I'd.

Caveat by saying Israel has a full range of options both kinetic and non-kinetic and especially with cyber um that could require some us assistance but it would obviously not be known to the world and we of course we'll see with time what direction Israel does go in Tom the Israeli War cabinet members are meeting today where officials are considering a.

Response to Iran's attack what's the latest on that yeah Stephanie we just had word that the Israeli War cabinet meeting has broken up it's the second meeting of the war cabinet in 24 hours uh we have no indication at this stage whether a decision was reached in that meeting of course I think there is a consensus here.

In Israel that there has to be a response the question is what type of response the scale of the response and the timing of that response and of course as the general just said yes all options are on the table it could be a Cyber attack uh more Hardline elements in netanyahu's government are pushing for a more Hardline military response.

Directly against Iran but of course allies like the United States other allies in Europe Arab Nations who were critical of course in helping Israel defend itself against Iran in the early hours of Sunday morning they're all pressing Israel to be restrained to not give something to Iran that means that they have to necessarily strike back.

Against Israel and then we're into a much more dangerous ball game certainly a situation we will continue to watch throughout the day very closely our thanks to Selena Wang Louis Martinez General Robert Abrams and of course Tom Sufi bur thank you all this unprecedented attack by Iran now has us asking what could the impact of the.

Strike have on our markets and oil prices our business reporter Alexis christopherus is tracking that part of the story for us good morning Alexis good morning Stephanie we're taking a look at the oil markets and the stock market because unrest in the Middle East of course has Wall Street on high alert oil prices are a little changed today.

After rallying Friday an anticipation of Iran's attack on Israel analysts say the risk of escalating Warfare in the Middle East has already been factored into this year's roughly 20% rise in crude oil prices and stocks are actually rallying today after having their worst week in months that's after this weekend's drone and missile attack was largely thwarted.

By an international effort and did little damage Now Stocks are also reacting to a much better than expected report on March retail sales today that report just the latest proof that Americans continue to spend despite stubbornly High inflation now what happens next with oil and the stock market largely depends on Israel's.

Response to the attack oil prices are currently at a six-month high of around $90 a barrel that's a level we haven't seen since the early days of the Israel Hamas War analysts say if the conflict escalates we could see oil easily top a $100 a barrel as turmoil in the Middle East then threatens oil supply in that region and could put key shipping routes.

In Jeopardy if if that were to happen it could send gas prices above $4 a gallon and also push inflation even higher remember just weeks ago US Stocks were rallying to record highs on hopes the FED would deliver three interest rate Cuts this year those hopes were dashed after new reports confirmed inflation is back on the rise and in addition to all.

Of this the conflict in the Middle East those March retail sales reports investors focusing on corporate earnings from major companies they be coming out today and in the weeks ahead they're looking for more clues on inflation and Stephanie the health the overall health of the US economy that happened really quickly it really did thank you Alexis.

We'll have more of the day's top stories right after this break first thing in the morning there's a lot going on get another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating.

Tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live with so much at stake so much on.

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Prison sentence today Hannah Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter last month for the death of another crew member who was shot when a gun held by Baldwin went off she faces up to 18 months in prison Baldwin is also charged with involuntary manslaughter his trial is scheduled to start in July security at the Boston.

Marathon is on high alert after law enforcement agencies have identified what they're calling a broad set of potential soft targets for an attack that is according to a threat assessment obtained by ABC News officials say the most significant threat facing this Marathon comes from loan offenders and small groups of individuals looking to.

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Are you every night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's most watched newscast it's lunch time in America America so what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know that sounds pretty good your health your money breaking news music and of course good food a third hour of GMA in the.

Afternoon so join us afternoon for everything you need to know I love that me reporting from the Federal District Courthouse in Washington DC I'm Terry Moran wherever the news is we'll take you there you're streaming ABC News live welcome back I'm Stephanie Ramos today on ABC News live first we're following.

Breaking news the historic first ever trial of a former president is getting underway former president Trump is inside the courtroom for jury selection in the hush money case against him the district attorney charged Trump with falsifying business records to conceal payments he allegedly made to Stormy Daniels through his then attorney.

Michael Cohen the judge has already denied a motion from Trump tr's legal team regarding jury selection and another aimed at forcing the judge's recusal the judge will also allow evidence involving Trump's interactions with the national Inquirer and an alleged hush money payment to another woman earlier Trump addressed reporters.

At the courthouse saying he is proud to be there take a listen this is an outrage that this case was brought this is political persecution this is a persecution like never before nobody's ever seen anything like it and again it's a case that should have never been brought it's an assault on America Trump pleaded not guilty to the.

34 charges last year calling the case quote election interference and a Witch Hunt we have full team coverage as jury selection gets underway starting with ABC News investigative reporter Olivia Rubin and a look at what's at stake I never thought anything like this could happen for the first time in America Amer history a former president of the.

United States standing trial on criminal charges these are felony crimes in New York State no matter who you are former president Donald Trump fought repeatedly to delay the case beginning today accusing him of illegally hiding payments he orchestrated to pornstar Stormy Daniels to silence her Affair.

Allegations during his 2016 White House bid the evidence will show that he did so to cover up crimes relating to the 20 2016 election multiple judges rejected Trump's last ditch efforts to Halt the trial brought by the Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg now hundreds of potential jurors.

Are being questioned in a courthouse downtown I don't know how you can have a trial that's going on right in the middle of an election not fair not fair lawyers for both sides will Whittle that group down to just 12 jurs and six alternates asking them questions to root out any bias it includes have they ever attended a trump rally subscribed to the.

Conspiracy movement of qanon or followed an anti-trump organization on social media the process expected to take as long as two weeks the whole point of jury selection is to find out not just do people know who the parties are involved not just did they know the charges but rather can they set all of that information aside and be a fair and.

Impersonal juror in this particular case the charges 34 counts of falsifying business records the crime not the alleged sexual AC ity but the paperwork used to keep the payments to Stormy Daniels quiet prosecutors say Trump disguised the payments he made to his one-time lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen for Daniels to bury her Affair claims.

Labeling them instead as legal payments for a non-existent retainer agreement with Cohen he directed me to make the payments he directed me to become involved in these matters prosecutors say those disguised checks cut from the Trump organization to Cohen were part of a larger catch and kill scheme devised by Trump and his allies with the.

Publisher of the national Inquirer together prosecutors say they would repeatedly buy negative stories about Trump only to never publish them he was very concerned about how this would affect the election to help his campaign to help him and the campaign Trump has pled not guilty to the charges and has called the case election interference he.

Also claims the affair with Daniels never happened did you know about $130,000 payment for Trump is no stranger to the legal system but he has only come face to face with a jury during his presidential bid for the White House once before earlier this year a nine-person jury heard a civil defamation case.

Brought against Trump by the writer een Carroll who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 199s and then defaming her when she went public with her allegations in 2019 there Trump personal analyzed the potential jurors often craning his neck and turning around as they answered questions he never attended the first trial where a.

Jury found him liable for sexual assault and defamation of Carol some jurors the second time around in the trial to determine damages against Trump appeared visibly shocked when they entered the room only to see the former president of the United States seated there after days of witnessing Trump's behavior in court including storming out of the.

Courtroom that jury of seven men and two women found Trump liable for defamation and ordered him to pay $83 million in Damages we will immediately appeal we will set aside that ridiculous jury now Trump is repeating that process again but these jurors will be charged with deciding a criminal case if convicted he could face a maximum of four years in.

Jail for each of the 34 counts our thanks to Olivia Rubin who is outside the courthouse now and Olivia we are learning the judge has reaffirmed his decision that prosecutors cannot play the axis Hollywood tape or from many years ago or Trump's defamation from the egene Carrol case so what is the.

Latest exactly it's a win for Donald Trump who did not want that Infamous Access Hollywood tape uh that came out just before the 2016 election to be played before the jury so it's a small win for him but one of the few that he has gotten this morning because Stephanie remember jury selection has not not actually gotten underway yet.

What is going on on the 15th floor of the courtroom is that lawyers for Trump and the prosecutors are going over again some of what the evidence is going to be to come into this case and prosecutors have now just this morning successfully gotten in some more information about uh the national inquire the publication that worked with Donald Trump allegedly.

To hide some of these stories before 2016 and they will also get in some more information about Karen McDougall who is another woman that was allegedly paid because of her claims about Donald Trump though she is not related to the charges here so a win for Donald Trump in the sense that the tape won't be played but some losses and that there is more.

Evidence coming in that he doesn't necessarily want before the jury Stephanie thank you Olivia I want to bring in executive editorial producer John santui John we just heard from Olivia there that the Access Hollywood tape cannot be played but the judge will allow evidence about the national inquire and Karen McDougall the woman.

That Trump allegedly had an affair with so what do you make of that well listen the whole idea is that prosecutors are trying to set up the idea this was a pattern for Donald Trump this idea of catching and killing and just quickly to break it down catching a bad story killing it by paying off the people that could potentially cause damage to Donald.

Trump and others and in the case of Karen McDougall and Ador man who worked for Donald Trump at one time this was something that happened before the Stormy Daniels payment it was done with David pcker So thus it was a rinse and repeat performance for Donald Trump when he did do the Stormy Daniels payment with Michael Cohen of course making the.

Payment and then the reimbursements that came thereafter so really the idea is to show you know there's ever any evidence or basically an idea presented by Trump's defense team well you know we never did this before well wait a second you did this two times before maybe there are others right this idea that it was an ongoing relationship between.

Pcker Cohen and Trump to catch the story kill it make it go away and Brian what do you make of the Motions the judge denied how could that affect the case it's affect the case in the sense of what the tenor of the of the arguments are and and also how either side you're going to say well this is a little too far and.

This is maybe not enough what I think we're going to hear a lot of when reporting comes out of what was argued in this court is going to hear this phrase a lot saying more prejudicial than probative and that's probably the reason why the tape was denied it's too prejudicial for you to hear the former president's own words saying you can.

Just come up on them and grab them by this and the judge say well what is this really probative of what are we learning from this other than making Donald Trump look like a bad guy which in many ways is what the prosecutor wants to kind of convince the jury and so the judge is going to kind of straddle that line of like all right if you're trying to prove.

This catch and kill theory that this is not just one but many instances I let you be probative to an extent but not so far that you're going to Prejudice the jury to just say like well this is a bad guy that we finding guilty not necessarily the facts articulate that of the crimes he's accused of right right how does that video relate to these.

Alleged payments that were made exactly Katherine I want to bring you in ABC's senior reporter Katherine falers Katherine the judge imposed a limited gag order against Trump last month is the former president really being careful in in trying to avoid violating that order and and then if he does violate that order what happens well.

Look it's a good question I don't think he's being particularly careful given some of his comments over the weekend on his social media platform TR social and look I think it's something that his lawyers at least from talking to sources close to the legal team it's something they're worried about here they don't really want him to approach that camera.

In the hallway they really don't want him to do those press conferences uh following his court appearances that he is known to do especially Stephanie as it relates to jury selection Trump is already on notice from the judge uh when he extended the gag order for example over jury selection so there is a worry inside Trump World that he will violate.

It he has violated gag orders in the past so look I don't know this is all fluid John santui knows this as well from talking to sources you can't really tell tell him not to go to the camera uh but it is something that his lawyers are keeping an eye out for they don't want him to violate this gag order and if he does there could be a warning there.

Could be sanctions he could be fined as he was in the past we'll just have to see what he ultimately does in terms of his public comments throughout the day and of course after this wraps up yeah we will just have to wait and see how he reacts ABC's political director Rick Klein is also with us and Rick Trump says the gag order is a violation of his.

Protected political speech do you think that is playing into his campaign strategy 100% it is I mean I think it it goes back to months ago when he talked about how he was being persecuted and forced off the campaign Trail into courtrooms and he would go to court often times without any reason to actually be there um and then fundraise.

Over the fact that he was he was dragged into court even though again he didn't have to be there similarly he's fundraising over the fact that he is being limited um in some fashion from what he is able to say publicly about this case he is being saying things and doing things that most orary defendants would probably end up in jail for.

Frankly if you if you violate gag orders and if you say the kind of provocative things and often false things about people involved in a trial most citizens don't get to do that he has gotten a lot of leeway not just in this case but across a range of cases about what he has said and done but he is also getting a lot of political mileage over the fact.

That he's been Limited in any way and the point he's made over and over again about this being in the middle of a campaign and being unfair has been a consistent one and something that comes up outside cour houses but also at his campaign rallies and when we talk to his supporters across the country they point that out as well to see all of these.

Cases going on at the same time to be have the former president Limited in what he can say about him that all adds up to a powerful political argument that Trump has been uh using for some time lots to watch the first of four criminal prosecutions Trump is facing and maybe the only one before the election we will speak once again I'm.

Sure later today and throughout this entire process our thanks to you Olivia Rubin John sanui Bri Buck Meer Rick Klein and Katherine falers thank you all we of course will have continuing coverage of the former president's trial all day long we will be right back but we're also following another major story Fallout over Ron's assault on Israel.

Unleashing hundreds of missiles and drones most of them shot down or failing to reach their target we have Team coverage on the tensions in the Middle East that's coming up whenever news breaks we are here in Israel a nation at war after that brutal surprise attack by Hamas on the ground.

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Happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this.

Morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R murl Awards and see why the New.

York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here welcome back to ABC News live first Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his War.

Cabinet today to discuss potential responses to Iran's attack the cabinet met yesterday but ended their meeting without making a final decision about a response this comes after Iran launched a massive missile and drone Barrage at Israel over the weekend two US officials confirmed to ABC news that at least half failed before reaching their targets and.

Israel says 99% of the others were intercepted want to bring in senior White House correspondent Selena Wang senior Pentagon reporter Louis Martinas ABC News contributor General Robert Abrams and foreign correspondent Tom Sufi bur in Tel Aviv Israel for more on this thank you all for joining us Tom I want to start with you Israeli War.

Cabinet members are meeting today where officials are considering a response to Iran's attack what do we know so far yeah Stephanie we know that the second Israeli War C cabinet meeting in just 24 hours is now broken up Israeli officials saying that uh the possible response the options that Israel has were discussed but there's no indication.

At this stage uh that Israel has actually made a decision uh clearly it's looking at a range of options and also the timing of any response would be clear I mean clearly there is a consensus that Israel has to respond the scale and nature of that response is still up in the air and clearly Israel is under a pressure from allies like the.

United States to reign in its response to not go for something that would be deemed to to be too escalatory uh we just come off a briefing from the Israeli air defense uh Israeli Air Force and an official there confirming uh the importance of not only us coordination of that Allied response in the overall defense uh on Sunday morning but also.

The crucial role that Middle Eastern countries played uh allowing Israeli Jets to operate in their air defense to shoot down those missiles and drones and that sort of broad Coalition the support will be a factor when it comes to the Israeli government decision making on what type of response it will make certainly well many waiting to hear what.

Direction Israel will go in Tom thank you Selena I want to turn to you how is President Biden responding to all of this yeah well look after the attack happened the president spoke to Israel's prime minister Netanyahu over the phone and his message to him was take this slow don't escalate things and think very carefully and strategically about.

Your next step now the president made clear that look they were willing to defend isra but if Israel decides to strike back they will do so alone the president wants to prevent this conflict from spreading into a wider War something he's been very careful about since October 7th and right now as Tom was.

Saying the ball is very much in Israel's court but despite this pressure we're seeing from the president from us officials the Biden Administration does believe that Israel is going to respond in some way that's according to a senior Us official and the president very much wanting to stress to Netanyahu though to take take the wind take the wind here.

You already Pro that your military is superior after this Onslaught from Iran Israel coming out ahead and and Louie Israel says that 99% of Iran's missiles and drones that made it to Israel were intercepted earlier on Good Morning America top White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said Iran is not the power it props to.

Be despite its military and ballistic missile capability but that the us is going to stay Vigilant so what does that tell you about uh Iran's military capabilities and where the US stands exactly Stephanie Iran's military capabilities have still remain strong I mean the fact that some of these missiles did not hit.

Their targets that roughly half of them are the ballistic missiles that were launched from inside Iran towards Israel uh did not make it towards as close to Israel as we had originally thought um doesn't imply that they still don't have significant military capabilities now what we are understanding now is that essenti.

Iran maybe their guidance systems their launch systems are not going to be as effective but it gets to the question of volume when you have such a large inventory as the Iranians do um they have that capability and even if their missiles don't all launch and hit their targets that is is still a Potential Threat and for American forces that is.

Another consideration could if if Israel responds and with a retaliation against Iran could this then lead Iran to pose a threat to US forces in the region and that is something that they have said publicly now um so I think that is something that officials here depending on are taking very much a close look at just in case yeah an escalation.

Definitely not what many people want to see General Abrams I want to bring you into this conversation a senior Us official says the Biden Administration believes Israel will strike Iran saying most of the world thinks this is over it is not but Iran has made it clear it considers the matter closed so what could a possible retali a mean for that.

Region well I think it really depends on the scale scope and the timing of any sort of action taken by Israel um and they've got a full range of options to include kinetic and non-kinetic options so I I think the Region's response um will be based upon what exactly Israel does and we'll we'll just have to wait and see what that's exactly going to.

Look like we certainly will we'll keep a close eye on it as well thank you all for your time and your insights really appreciate it Selena Wang Louis Martinez General Robert Abrams Tom Sufi Burge thank you coming up hoop dreams are about to come true we are just hours away from tonight's WNBA draft we have a look at.

All of that excitement that is coming up next what does it take to be the most watched newscast in America an operation to capture Isis Fighters is this our combat Operation Center we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear.

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Tax day you should probably know this business reporter Alexis Christoper is joining us for more on some last minute tax tips talk about last minute talk about right up against it right we're not going to shame anybody here no no no no no know who you are but you have until midnight tonight to file your taxes and avoid getting hit with.

Penalties and interest it's not too late though to save on your tax bill first thing you want to be sure you're taking all of the credits you qualify for if you have kids you may be eligible for a $2,000 tax credit per qualifying child depending on your income and your filing status and not to be confused with the child tax credit is the child and.

Dependent care tax credit if you paid expenses for daycare preschool or or another form of caregiving for say a spouse or a parent who's unable to care for themselves you might qualify for this credit it starts at $3,000 and if you paid qualified education expenses for an eligible student you may be able to claim a.

Credit of up to $2500 with the American Opportunity tax credit if you bought an electric vehicle last year check and see if it is on the list of EVS that qualify for a credit of up to $7500 you also have until midnight tonight to make a tax-friendly contribution to your traditional IRA it's not too late the max here.

$6,500 7500 if you're 50 or over and if you know you're going to need more time to file just go to irs.gov and request an extension it'll give you an extra six months to submit your taxes until October 15th but remember an extension to file is not an extension to pay so if you owe money you still need to make payment by tomorrow or by tonight use.

Your previous year's taxes to help estimate what you owe and if you can't pay the entire amount right now don't panic go to irs.gov set up a payment plan the IRS actually wants to work with you so that you can pay your bill right and they want to get their money too that's a huge part of it yes Alexis thank you so much those are great tips.

And yeah we all lead busy lives so if today is a day for you to get your taxes done hey you're getting it done clock is ticking the clock is ticking thank you all right the WNBA draft kicks off tonight as well after that epic championship game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and South Carolina Gamecocks it is now the second most watched.

Non-olympic women's sporting event in US history our faith Abu has more from a sports bar in Minneapolis dedicated to celebrating women athletes it's a ride of passage for any sports fan catching the big game at your local sports bar and with the popularity of women's.

Sports on the rise sports bars aren't just for the boys anymore it's great that this is finally happening and that women's sports are finally getting the platform that they deserve bars for women's sports popping up across the country from a bar of Their Own in Minneapolis to the sports bra in Portland women's sports are what.

Everyone's excited about what everyone's talking about what everyone is tuning into undefeated South Carolina has won its third National Championship the women's NCAA Championship Game drawing more viewers than the men's final for the first time ever no one has done more to grow the popularity of this game than Caitlyn.

Clark Caitlyn Clark the likely number one pick generating huge crowds interest in the game with that number one pick the Indiana Fever surging with 13 times as many tickets sold compared to this time last year it feels really comfortable to walk in a space where you already know that you're you're going to have some sort of shared interest with.

The people who are in there and Stephanie bars like this one are allowing fans to get a front row seat to witness history and also of course we'll be glued into to the WNBA draft tonight 7:30 Eastern live on ESPN back to you Stephanie it's going to be fun thank you.

So much faith and thank you for streaming with us I'm Stephanie Ramos ABC News live is here for you anytime with the latest news context and Analysis we'll be right back whenever wherever news breaks it's so important to always remember that lives are changed here in London in Buffalo yaldi Texas Edinburough Scotland.

Reporting from Rolling Fork Mississippi Ukrainian refugees here in waron we're heading to a small community outside of Mexico City getting you behind the story as they happen ABC News live Prime we'll take you there stream ABC News live week nights wherever you stream your news only on ABC News live with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans.

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This our combat Operation Center we're approaching the gate militants came in from different directions reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag not car any how important it made the US great work hi it's David D I'm David I know you are you every night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's.

Most watched newscast ABC News America's number one news source good afternoon I'm Stephanie Ramos today on ABC News live First We are following breaking news the historic first ever trial of a former president is getting underway former president Trump is inside the courtroom for jury.

Selection in the hush money case against him the district attorney charged Trump with falsifying business records to conceal payments he allegedly made to stormmy Daniels through his then attorney Michael Cohen the judge has already denied a motion from Trump's legal team regarding jury's selection and another aimed at forcing the judge's.

Recusal the judge will also allow evidence involving Trump's interactions with the national inquire and an alleged hush money payment to another woman prosecutors will not though be allowed to play the infamous Access Hollywood tape or video from Trump's deposition in the EEG and Carol defamation case nor will they be allowed to introduce.

Unproven sexual misconduct allegations a number of other women against him made ahead of the 2016 election earlier Trump called the trial an assault on America he has pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges against him you see him there as he made his way through the courthouse in downtown Manhattan here in New York City we of course have full team.

Coverage as jury selection gets underway we will start with executive editorial producer John santui John a prosecutor is seeking admission of Trump's alleged witness intimidation into evidence M how significant is that in this trial well it is hugely significant because again you have to remember there are so many witnesses that come into play in Donald.

Trump's orbit both his campaign his political life and his personal life so any idea that Donald Trump intimidated witness from not telling the truth over the course of the last year as we were getting ready for this trial will be hugely consequential I mean listen we're talking about some people that have worked with Donald Trump for decades.

Let's talk for a second about Rona graph his longtime assistant of the Trump organization Donald Trump believe it or not in his entire professional career Stephanie only had two executive assistants Norma federa and Rona graph they both knew everything about Donald Trump I can tell you our former colleague the late great Barbara Walters.

When I first started covering Donald Trump had one piece of advice to me get to know Rona she knows everything and that exactly is clear in the fact that she's on this witness list by prosecutors Rona knew where everything was her office was right next to Donald Trump's and before it was Rona it was Norma Norma of course has passed away.

But Rona is alive and well and will be critical to Prosecutor's case because the other thing you have to remember too is that a lot of Donald Trump's like as a businessman was not documented on computers or email it was all paperwork you know I I I had many times where we would send you know different proposals or things for ABC to Donald Trump when.

He was a candidate and they would print it out for Trump and he'd write back notes on it and he would hand it to his assistant that obviously was the way he did his operations his bookkeeping Etc so I do think that's hugely important and we'll come into play in this case about the paperwork about the falsifying of documents and those assistants would.

Know that now ragraph no longer works the Trump organization another witness that has been called M meline westerhout was the assistant at the White House for quite some time she had to leave after she allegedly made some disparaging comments about members of Trump's family out in public around media nevertheless did Donald Trump ever contact the two of.

Them or any of the witnesses perhaps there's some evidence comes into play could be consequential need to see and John you mentioned this earlier how a lot of these AIDS have been loyal for so many years I mean with someone who's had such personal ties to or or connection with Donald Trump are they going to break are they going to I mean you would.

Assume that they would be just as loyal they are on the stand 100% I think that obviously the only one that what falls into a unique bucket is Michael Cohen right John Carl talked about this earlier in our programming Michael Cohen had described himself at one point as Donald Trump's Pitbull right that he would do anything and everything to.

Protect Donald Trump that Pitbull has flipped and obviously has changed things and we're looking at live pictures right here uh you guys can see this of the former president there just coming out of the courtroom I believe they're taking a 10 to 15 minute break they just took that break he is going back into the courtroom now that is in.

Downtown Manhattan and we saw him earlier as well calling this a political persecution and kind of treating it as a campaign rally some of the same statements we've heard in the past uh Brian I want to bring you into this the judge will not allow prosec to introduce the sexual misconduct allegations a number of women made against Trump at.

The end of his 2016 campaign the judge said prosecutors are allowed though to show the jury video clips of trump from some of his campaign events where he appears agitated about some of these allegations we saw it this morning he appeared agitated this morning as well what do you make of that the judge making these decisions this morning it.

Makes sense what I think the Judge is attempting to do is trying to ground this evidence in relevance and that's what a lot of judges and defense attorneys and prosecutors do and so you start off with the question of okay you have this bit of information you have this Hollywood Access tape you have uh these uh allegations of sexual assault.

How are these relevant to the question as to whether or not Donald Trump falsified business records now if they play into the idea that this is Catch and kill scheme that he has bad allegations come up he sends his fixers out there to kind of hush the the noise so to speak then that makes sense but if these sexual assault allegations are not.

Connected to any form of that catch and kill or any form of that falsifying business records for the purpose of getting elected then the judge is going to say well why is this relevant the prosecutor is going to push back and say this is the environment in which Donald Trump existed in this bad press was coming at him left right and Center a.

Lot of them surrounded around sexual assault allegations and that's why he felt this way the Jud is saying you know what in private I don't think it's going to come in but if he's agitated and we can see it during the election process then it now becomes relevant because he's uh having this emotional response based on these allegations and he's.

Trying to get elected so I think he really walking a tight rope there and just to jump in for a quick second sorry Brian but Stephanie you know it's interesting our team is getting this realtime reportings obviously no cameras in there right before that break prosecutors made a statement in open court saying quote shortly we will be.

Seeking in order to show cause as to why the defendant should be held not be held in contempt this of course um since then Trump violated merch's gag order that's going to be quite striking right now obviously you know kathern folder was touched on this earlier in our coverage that Donald Trump has gotten dangerously close to violating the gag order in a.

Lot of his public statements on the campaign Trail bopping around Court across social media so if there is an argument about to be presented on that front we're going to need to watch that as you just noted Donald Trump walking back into court if that's where we're going one interesting that we're still not in jury selection but two if right.

On day one they're going to make this argument that he violated the gag order and potentially what consequences come with that we'll see we definitely will I mean we and you say that this is the this is the very first day to see this on the first day says a lot we've heard from Trump even earlier sounding agitated and and also he's said in the.

Past that this gag order is a violation of his protected political speech still sticking with general terms earlier today though not bringing up individuals that are at the center of this case I want to bring in ABC News contributor and former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons uh Chris what do you make of that contempt motion.

I I think that shows that the prosecution's going to be aggressive I mean they're coming out of the gate swinging uh because you know if you listen to Donald Trump's comments it didn't directly violate the gag order I think he was a little more kind of General than he was sort of more specific he was talking about witch on.

He was talking about you know this is a purely political action that it's being orchestrated by the former president of the United or the the current president of the United States this is John Carl mentioned earlier in our coverage um and so I I think by moving to um you know find him in contempt straight out of the gate suggests that prosecution is going.

To be very aggressive in this case and it also shows that they recognize the two-front war that they're fighting they're fighting the war that's the the the battle that's going on in the courtroom there in in uh in in New York but the other battle they're fighting is the the public battle that they're that they're fighting out there and you got.

To remember once you've got jurors in place they're they're told that they're not supposed to watch the news they're told that they're not supposed to pay any attention to the media but jurors do unfortunately Brian buckmire can tell you unfortunately do play pay attention to the coverage even when they're told not to so some of those words that he's.

Speaking are intended to inflame the jury and help him get a not ver guilty verdict in this case and and Chris we we heard from him yeah just a few moments ago or this morning as Trump was entering the courtroom uh talking about how this is an outrage political persecution Brian we've seen we we've seen the president today saying these.

Statements jury selection that process hasn't even started we've already the judge has already brought up the gag order so what are the next steps as we move through this week which is supposed to focus on that jury selection process yeah so the process in which we're going through right now we call pre-trial uh motions or pre-trial arguments and so.

You get out what's the schedule going to look like um how are we going to bring these jurors in uh each party saying do you want to bring anything forward and now we're hearing the prosecutor saying hey we want to revisit this gador issue because it appears that Donald Trump might had violated it uh the judge wants to get all of that out of the way.

Because once you start bringing jurors in the train is has proverbially left the station and you don't want to stop you want that process to be smooth and continuous and so what I would expect is the judge is taking a quick break what we just saw a few moments ago most of the arguments may have come about they might talk about this Gago I think that.

Might be the the last big thing to discuss uh of course Donald Trump's attorneys always have that one more extra argument they want to make at the 11th hour but I would expect that after the lunch break and here in New York we tally typically take a lunch break from about 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 I would expect at 2:30 the judge are going to say you.

Know what trains leaving the station let's start bringing the jurors in and start this process I want to bring in ABC's political director Rick kleene uh Trump's 2016 political rallies are also a part of this trial could this change the way he campaigns the way he moves forward there's no question that this is going to change the the substance of his.

Campaign first anything that happens in that courtroom are things that he's likely to be raising money off of and talking about outside of the courtroom uh and secondly U the the the the real time interaction uh that that you often see at his campaign rallies sometimes is built around the the the kind of uh the kind of rhetoric that he puts out there.

2016 we remember the locker up chance they take on a different tone in the context of today and just from a functional matter um for the foreseeable future he's not going to have a lot of time to do campaigning out on the trail he'll have weekends and for now Wednesdays because this court doesn't sit on Wednesdays other than that he's.

Going to be uh relegated to to sitting in that courtroom and maybe popping up here and there uh relatively close by this is going to be the big messaging messaging piece of the campaign most likely for a while and think about how busy things have been the kind of big issues we're talking about with is Israel and Iran and.

Abortion rights uh there's a huge number of things that candidates could be talking about right now uh his rival President Biden is going to be out on the trail in Pennsylvania over the next couple days Tuesday and Wednesday and and that's something that former president Trump can't do now we should note that there are have been times.

Where he has used Court house appearances essentially as campaign events and the rhetoric mixes mixes with with each other and he likes that that the idea of of looking there looking like he's in battle looking like he's going to to fight for his own voters but it does put some serious constraints on what he can do as a candidate it.

Certainly does ABC's uh senior reporter kathern falers I want to bring you in so we know that the Manhattan da also plans to introduce evidence about two other payments that Trump allegedly made uh with Cohen the Cohen and Trump coordinated uh to suppress suppress negative uh stories uh and that includes evidence about the national inquir and.

Karen McDougall another woman Trump allegedly had an affair with how significant is that to be able to bring in those other that that other piece of evidence well it's significant because prosecutors are going to use these two payments in these instances to go right to the heart of what they've said is uh Trump's character so they want to use.

That to build on their case here for example that just involves uh one payment and of course uh we saw Trump's lawyers push back on that they think it's irrelevant they think it's too salacious I think is one of the words that they used um but obviously the judge did not rule in Trump's favor on that now as it relates to the Access.

Hollywood tape that we've talked about a lot here uh the judge did uphold a previous ruling where he said that this tape uh audio or video of the tape cannot be played prosecutors will be allowed to use Trump's words but specifically the judge said he doesn't want that played to the jury he doesn't want the jury to hear doesn't want them.

To see the video so again all of this is what's happening before jury selection which still hasn't gotten underway yet the judge in the beginning of the day said he wanted to tie up some loose ends so that's what they're doing right now of course we'll wait to see what happens on this potential uh contempt ruling that could be a big deal as it relates.

To the gag order so uh still let's just say some a bit of fireworks uh this morning uh before the jury actually before jury selection actually gets underway here Stephanie thanks Katherine tying up some loose ends some some administrators items taking place this morning before that jury selection process and Brian let's talk a little.

Bit more about that it's we were speaking about this earlier it's obviously going to be difficult to find someone who isn't extremely familiar with the former president uh and right now we're looking at sketches of the former president there in the courtroom but as we look at that Brian how how are how is this process going to play out.

There are a certain set of questions that the potential jurors will need to answer but how how are they going to select these 12 Jers and six alternates I think if you got 12 attorneys in a room and ask them this exact question you probably get different ones but I'll would go to more General jury selection is equal parts art equal parts science.

And and we talk about the science from the 42 questions how the judge starts and it moves on but a lot of in that art part of it is kind of reading the tea leaves and what both sides are going to do is they're going to take things like the age gender what part of New York City because we as New Yorkers know there's a very different mentality from.

Someone who is born and raised in Harlem than someone who was born and raised in Midtown for example or Alphabet City or the Upper East Side uh their employment how many years have they been in the city are they born and and and bred New Yorkers who have been here forever or they kind of transplants I've only been here for a year or two and also race and.

They're going to take all of those factors and kind of read the te leaves and say what is this person going to think about when they're presenting the information the best example I I'll give you myself I'm a 36-year-old man who lives uh lived in Harlem I'm an attorney I been in New York for over a decade and I'm black I I'm guessing that someone.

Would take that and be like well what is this person going to think about when they get these facts and that's what the prosecutor and the defense are doing here kind of reading the te Leeves from what they Garner from the from the potential jurors and the judge of course will likely insist that the their views should not interfere with being fair.

They'll they'll suggest it but what the I give you one last example when we talk about picking a jur we always talk about I want fair and impartial and I say it's a lot like picking a spouse like you always want that the the the big factors the kind the the smart the this but at least when I picked my spouse is like she's very attractive too like I might.

Not say it out loud but I hope I get that and for the defense attorneys yeah you can laugh I know um for defense attorney examples juice and apple juice no no I'm going to make the connection but just as much as a defense attorney says I want fair and impartial no I want someone who's going to buy the facts as I.

Present them going forward and the prose is going to say the same thing oh I want fair and impartial no you want that attractive juror who's going to buy what you're selling to some degree and so that I think is going to be the like little hidden undertone we're going to see here what jurors are going to be more impartial to one side over the.

Other even though both sides won't really say it out loud you brought it together it makes perfect sense you did thank you very much briyan and thanks to the rest of our team John sanui here at the desk Rick Klein kathern folders and Chris chims thank you all former president Trump is heading back to court actually he went back he is in court.

Right now you're just looking at sketches of the former president in that courtroom we of course will be covering this historic trial all day long but we're also following another major story Fallout over Iran's assault on Israel unleashing hundreds of missiles and drones most of them shot down or failing to reach their target we have Team.

Coverage on the tensions in the Middle East and that is coming up with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of.

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C welcome back to ABC News live first Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his War cabinet today to discuss potential responses to Iran's attack the cabinet met yesterday but ended their meeting without making a final decision about a response this comes after Iran launched a massive missile and drone Barrage at.

Israel over the weekend two US officials confirmed to ABC news that at least half failed before reaching their their targets and Israel says 99% of the others were intercepted want to bring in senior White House correspondent Selena Wang senior Pentagon reporter Louie Martinez ABC News contributor General Robert Abrams and foreign correspondent.

Tom Sufi Burge in Tel Aviv Israel for more on this thank you all for joining us Tom I want to start with you Israeli War cabinet members are meeting today where officials are considering a response to Iran's attack what do we know so far yeah Stephanie we know that the second Israeli War cabinet meeting in.

Just 24 hours is now broken up Israeli officials saying that uh the possible response the options that Israel has uh were discussed but there's no indication at this stage uh that Israel has actually made a decision uh clearly it's looking at a range of options and also the timing of any response would be clear I mean clearly there is a.

Consensus that Israel has to respond the scale and nature of that response is still up in the air and clearly Israel is under pressure from allies like the United States to reign in its response to not go for something that would be deemed to be too escalatory uh we just come off a briefing from the Israeli air defense uh Israeli Air Force and an.

Official there confirming uh the importance of not only us coordination of that Allied response in the overall defense on Sunday morning but also the crucial role that Middle Eastern countries played allowing Israeli Jets to operate in their air defense to shoot down those missiles and drones and that sort of broad Coalition the support will.

Be a factor when it comes to the Israeli government's decision making on what type of response it will make certainly well many waiting to hear what direction Israel will go and Tom thank you Selena I want to turn to you how is President Biden responding to all of this yeah well look after the attack happened the president spoke to Israel's prime.

Minister Netanyahu over the phone and his message to him was take this slow don't escalate things and think very carefully and strategically about your next step now the president made clear that look they were willing to defend Israel but if Israel decides to strike back they will do so alone the president wants to prevent this conflict from.

Spreading into a wider War something he's been very careful about since October 7th and right now as Tom was saying the ball is very much in Israel's court but despite this pressure we're seeing from the president from us officials the Biden Administration does believe that Israel is going to respond in some way that's according to a senior.

Us official and the president very much wanting to stress to Netanyahu though to take the win take the win here you already prove that your military is superior after this Onslaught from Iran Israel coming out ahead and and Louie Israel says that 99% of Iran's missiles and drones that made it to Israel were intercepted earlier on.

Good Morning America top White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said Iran is not the power it purports to be despite its military and ballistic missile capability but that the us is going to stay vigilant so what does that tell you about uh Iran's military capabilities and where the US stands exactly Stephanie Iran's military.

Capabilities have still remain strong I mean the fact that some of these missiles did not hit their targets that roughly half of them the ballistic missiles that were launched from inside Iran towards Israel uh did not make it towards as close to Israel as we had originally thought um doesn't imply that they still don't have significant.

Military capabilities now what we are understanding now is that essentially uh Iran's maybe their guidance systems their launch systems are not going to be as effective but it gets to the question of volume when you have such a large inventory as the Iranians do um they have that capability and even if their missiles don't all launch and hit their.

Targets that is is still a Potential Threat and for American forces that is another consideration could if if Israel responds and with a retaliation against Iran could this then lead Iran to pose a threat to US forces in the region and that is something that they have said publicly now um so I think that is something that officials here depending.

On are taking a very much a close look at just in case yeah an escalation definitely not what many people want to see General Abrams I want to bring you into this conversation a senior Us official says the Biden Administration believes Israel will strike Iran saying most of the world thinks this is over it is not but Iran has made it clear it.

Considers the matter closed so what could a possible retaliation mean for that region well I think it really depends on the scale scope and the timing of any sort of action taken by Israel um and they've got a full range of options to include kinetic and non-kinetic options so I I think the Region's response um.

Will be based upon what exactly Israel does and we'll we'll just have to wait and see what that's exactly going to look like we certainly will we'll keep a close eye on it as well thank you all for your time and your insights really appreciate it Selena Wang Louis Martinez General Robert Abrams Tom Sufi Burge thank you.

Coming up hoop dreams are about to come true we are just hours away from tonight's WNBA draft we have a look at all of that excitement that is coming up next why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories.

Lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R murl Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here.

welcome back guess what today is tax day you should probably know this business reporter Alexis Christopher is is joining us for more on some last minute tax tips talk about last minute talk about right up against it right we're not going to shame anybody here you know who you are but you have until midnight.

Tonight to file your taxes and avoid getting hit with penalties and interest it's not too late though to save on your tax bill first thing you want to be sure you're taking all of the credits you qualify for if you have kids you may be eligible for a $2,000 tax credit per qualifying child depending on your income and your filing status and not to.

Be confused with the child tax credit is the child and dependent care tax credit if you paid expenses for daycare preschool or another form of caregiving for say a spouse or a parent who's unable to care for themselves you might qualify for this credit it starts at $33,000 and if you paid qualified education.

Expenses for an eligible student you may be able to claim a credit of up to $2500 with the American Opportunity tax credit if you bought an electric vehicle last year check and see if it is on the list of EVS that qualify for a credit of up to $7,500 you also have until midnight tonight to make a tax-friendly.

Contribution to your traditional IRA it's not too late the max here $6,500 7500 if you're 50 or over and if you know you're going to need more time to file just go to irs.gov and request an extension it'll give you an extra six months to submit your taxes until October 15th but remember an extension to file is not an extension to pay so if.

You owe money you still need to make payment by tomorrow or by tonight use your previous year's taxes to help estimate what you owe and if you can't pay the entire amount right now don't panic go to irs.gov set up a payment plan the IRS actually wants to work with you so that you can pay your bill right and they want to get their money too.

That's a huge part of it yes Alexis thank you so much those are great tips and yeah we all lead busy lives so if today is the day for you to get your taxes done hey you're getting it done clock is ticking the clock is ticking thank you all right the WNBA draft kicks off tonight as well after that epic championship game between the Iowa.

Hawkeyes and South Carolina Gamecock it is now the second most watched non-olympic women's sporting event in US history our faith abub has more from a sports bar in Minneapolis dedicated to celebrating women athletes it's a ride of passage for any sports fan catching the big game at your.

Local sports bar and with the popularity of women's sports on the rise sports bars aren't just for the boys anymore it's great that this is finally happening and that women's sports are finally getting the platform that they deserve bars for women's sports popping up across the country from a bar of.

Their Own in Minneapolis to the sports bra in Portland women's sports are what everyone's excited about what everyone's talking about what everyone is tuning into undefeated South Carolina has won its third National Championship the women's NCAA Championship Game drawing more viewers than the men's final for the first time ever no one has done more.

To grow the popularity of this game than Caitlyn Clark Caitlyn Clark the likely number one pick generating huge crowds interest in the game with that number one pick the Indiana Fever surging with 13 times as many tickets sold compared to this time last year it feels really comfortable to walk in a space where you.

Already know that you're going to have some sort of shared interest with the people who are in there and Stephanie bars like this one are allowing fans to get a front row seat to witness history and also of course we'll be glued in to the WNBA draft tonight 7:30 Eastern live on ESPN back to you.

Stephanie it's going to be fun thank you so much faith and thank you for streaming with us I'm Stephanie Ramos ABC News live is here for you anytime with the latest news context and annalysis we'll be right back this is ABC News live the crush families on the ground in Ukraine ABC News live.

America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 247 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America's number one streaming news reporting from the fton county Georgia couse I'm Reena Roy wherever the story is we'll take you there you're streaming ABC News live.

Welcome back to ABC News live first I'm Stephanie Ramos today we are following breaking news the historic first ever trial of a former president is getting underway former president Trump is inside the courtroom for jury selection in the hush money case against him the Manhattan district attorney charged Trump with falsifying business records.

To conceal payments he allegedly made to stormy d Daniels through his then attorney Michael Cohen prosecutors say they may ask for Trump to be held in contempt arguing he has violated the partial gag order the judge imposed Trump has been ordered not to attack Witnesses individual prosecutors or family members of the judge and district.

Attorney Trump has pushed the limits of that order targeting the judge's daughter over her work as a political consultant earlier Trump called the trial an assault on America he has pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges against him and we will have full team coverage as jury selection gets underway but we are starting with ABC News.

Investigative reporter Olivia Rubin and a look at what's at stake I never thought anything like this could happen for the first time in American history a former president of the United States standing trial on criminal charges these are felony crimes in New York State no matter who you are former president Donald Trump fought repeatedly to delay.

The case beginning today accusing him of illegally hiding payments he orchestrated to pornstar Stormy Daniels to silence her Affair allegations during his 2016 White House bid the evidence will show that he did so to cover up crimes relating to the 2016 election multiple judges rejected Trump's last ditch efforts to Halt the.

Trial brought by the Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg now hundreds of potential jurors are being questioned in a courthouse downtown I don't know how you going to have a trial that's going on right in the middle of an election not fair not fair lawyers for both sides will Whittle that.

Group down to just 12 jurors and six alternates asking them questions to root out any bias it includes have they ever attended a trump rally subscribed to the conspiracy movement of qanon or followed an anti-trump organization on social media the process expected to take as long as 2 weeks the whole point of jury selection is to find out not just do.

People know who the parties are involved not just do they know the charges but rather can they set all of that information aside and be a fair and impersonal juror in this particular case the charges 34 counts of falsifying business records the crime not the alleged sexual activity but the paperwork used to keep the payments to.

Stormy Daniels quiet prosecutors say Trump disguised the payments he made to his one-time lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen for Daniels to bury her Affair claims labeling them instead as legal payments for a non-existent retainer agreement with Cohen he directed me to make the payments he directed me to become involved in these matters.

Prosecutors say those disguised checks cut from the Trump organization to Cohen were part of a larger catch and kill scheme devised by Trump and his allies with the publisher of the national Inquirer together prosecutors say they would repeatedly buy negative stories about Trump only to never publish them he was very concerned about how this.

Would affect the election to help his campaign to help him and the campaign Trump has pled not guilty to the charges and has called the case election interference he also claims the affair with Daniels never happened did you know about $130,000 payment Trump is no stranger to the legal system but he has only come face.

Toof face with a jury during his presidential bid for the White House once mons before earlier this year a nine-person jury heard a civil defamation case brought against Trump by the writer Eugene Carroll who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s and then defaming her when she went public.

With her allegations in 2019 there Trump personally analyzed the potential jurors often craning his neck and turning around as they answered questions he never attended the first trial where a jury found him liable for sexual assault and defamation of Carol some jurors the second time around in the trial to determine damages against Trump appeared.

Visibly shocked when they entered the room only to see the former president of the United States seated there after days of witnessing Trump's behavior in court including storming out of the courtroom that jury of seven men and two women found Trump liable for defamation and ordered him to pay $83 million in Damages we will immediately appeal we.

Will set aside that ridiculous jury now Trump is repeating that process again but these jurors will be charged with deciding a criminal case if convicted he could face a maximum of four years in jail for each of the 34 counts let's bring in executive editorial producer John sanui ABC News legal contributor Brian buckmire and ABC.

News political director Rick Klein for more on this and also our thanks to Olivia Rubin for that report John we were talking about this earlier we heard from the former president there at the courthouse speaking to reporters speaking to the camera saying this is an outrage this is an assault on the country but we've also seen him kind of.

Walk this fine line around this partial gag order he's kind of speaking generally not about the individuals that will likely take the stand so talk to us a little bit about that how exactly is he walking this fine line and and he could still this he could still be in Jeopardy and go against his gag order right I mean listen I I would say he's.

Walked the fine line today congratulations you did great on day won but let's talk about the weekend the last couple of days he has not done a good job of walking in this line at all he has hit the judge he has hit prosecutors and we now know from our team that's in court right now Stephanie that prosecutors at this moment in time.

Right now are making that argument that Donald Trump has violated that gag order and they believe he should be held in contempt we don't have a read as of yet because it's just got an underway as we noted a little earlier ago they took a quick break so that is probably as Brian and I were talking about earlier probably one of the last motions we're.

Going to see before we actually get into what today was supposed to be which is jury selection but the reality is that Donald Trump sometimes Is His Own Worst Enemy and when Donald Trump is in front of a microphone and gets as he says you know he's revved up by the crowd that's exactly what happened this weekend he's talking about the judge he's you know.

Posting things on social media the worst thing for Donald Trump is that little button I don't know what you technically call it on Truth social but let's pretend it's Twitter even though it's called X now so it's rexing or retweeting I I don't even know what the phrase is right but the reality is that is Donald Trump using his megaphone and.

Projecting that rhetoric so that is going to be something we're going to need to see very shortly here if prosecutors are making that argument and we're looking at images of the former president there in the courtroom those taken this morning we also saw the sketches of trump there in the courtroom as well right here in New.

York City now Brian what do prosecutors need to show in order for Trump to be held in cont and and what consequences could he face prosecut need to show evidence that Donald Trump was on notice and that he knowingly violated the orders of the Court it it could be anything typically we see it in terms of orders of protection don't be around.

This person's homeschool place of business here it's don't speak uh disparagingly as to these individuals and so prosecutors would likely come forward with the social media post from truth social from X from Instagram wherever it may be and say judge here are the statements we know that Donald Trump posted them himself you can show.

Either through uh the way that he speaks the way that he's posted other um posts because he obviously can't be someone who's handling his social media and then they'll go back to the order itself and say this is what you said judge this is a violation typically as an attorney I'd have to tell people that you can face up.

To a year in prison for a misdemeanor contemp of court but I don't think we're there here when it comes to Donald Trump I think the big thing is what is the the proverbial sticks so to speak uh when it comes to punishing Donald Trump the logistics of having someone even incarcerated just for a half a day to show the punishment with a former.

President how is that going to work out are you going to put him behind the courtroom that has typically their own little holding cells and have Secret Service day there with him and what like I don't know how that would work and so that's why even say like jokingly more likely than not we're talking about fines or maybe something the judge kind.

Of improvises on their own and say you know what I want you to write an essay about the importance of of of following uh court orders and you have to hand it to me by here I've seen judges say you know you're going to buy opposing Council lunch or something of that nature I think it's going to be something small like that maybe hit him.

In the pocketbook or something a little bit more personal would he really write an essay I don't know maybe his team maybe maybe team I I've seen it before but I definitely don't think he's going to be in a holding cell it's got I I more likely than not I probably say the essay somewhat joking it's probably going to hit him in the pocketbook and.

Some sort of a fine I will say that would be the first essay that ever be signed in Sharpie that would be new that would be something we've never seen before we had to do it unique very unique I want to bring you in Trump argues this gag order limits his political speech would you say that statement plays into his.

Campaign messaging 100% I think it is a campaign message when he says it he says it in fundraising appeals he says it at rallies he tells it to supporters all the time how about as another example in his view of how unfair this is and it's a it's a testament to his ability to control the messaging and uh the the thinking of so many of his supporters.

That that's been internalized the way it has this is a you know the gag orders as Brian and others will know they don't happen all the time but they happen in cases that that have particular histories with defendants or or particular public scrutiny and these these gag orders have been pretty narrowly tailored and so far he's gotten.

A lot of leeway in what he's been able to say and do uh and judges are I think rightly trying to to carve around the fact that we're in the middle of a political campaign he has and continues to to test the limits he also gets a lot of benefit from the perception that he is limited in what he can say because that that feeds the campaign argument.

That he's been making to to so much UC for so many months right and and John the judge rules prosecutors can admit evidence related to Trump's attacks on his former attorney Michael Cohen so how significant is that well I'm going to answer that question in two seconds but I just want to flag there's a little bit of breaking news from our team so it.

Sounds like from our team in court Lucian bugman who just sends not to our our our main email system here is that the judge is trying to move things along rather quickly to get aead jury uh selection here the judge saying this is what we're going to do everyone's going to sit down and relax to both attorneys quote we have 500 jurors waiting for us.

And to be honest with you I'm not interested in getting into this minutia with you talking about all of the Motions that are coming up right now in court saying at one point as he's going through this that so much of this has been frivolous this morning and he just wants to get to actually the course of business which is to see the jury and.

They have been there for the last couple of hours three hours or so they have yeah starting first thing this morning and and nevertheless we're probably going to get to lunch and not begin jury selection But to answer your question quickly about Michael Cohen B basically what happened here is that the judge said listen if the defense presents.

Anything about attacking Michael Cohen's character then it opens the doors for prosecutors to introduce other evidence about Michael Cohen so really this is all going to be a very interesting game to watch if you will not that it's a game as a fun one but in the sense that if you do this then that that happens and that really is going to get to a.

Place of where how long this case is going to go depending on frankly if they want to stick within some of the guard rails for judge but if they test the limits judge already saying fine do that then this happens speaking of Michael Cohen Rick Klein this question is for you Cohen once said he would take a bullet for Trump before becoming a v.

Vocal critic how damaging could his testimony be politically for Trump could it affect him well start with the fact that he is a admitted liar admitted to having lied to Congress uh lying in court lying to the public and the media now in his telling those lies were told in service of Donald Trump and he has since a knowledged that uh that he that.

He needs to have seen a different path um and and he served time as a as as someone who's admitted to that lying but as someone like John sanui who knew Michael Cohen when he was a loyalist to Donald Trump getting a full portrait of who he was to him is still kind of an astounding fact this was the ultimate Insider uh the ultimate lawyer SL SL.

Bodyman slash you name it anything he needed to do fix or he needed to do he would do it for Trump and the fact that he ultimately uh turned on him in this most public way makes him potentially a very compelling witness but the first thing the jury is going to have to do is believe him for it to be effective because it's so easy to question his.

Credibility by his own admission about uh previous areas where he's lied or been inconsistent so much of the case to my mind is going to hinge on that because he's the guy that can connect all of these dots and make this about uh not just a hush money payment but also about a campaign there aren't many people that are as well situated um in.

This in this case to to bring it all together as Michael Cohen it'll definitely be interesting to see what he has to say what he takes to stand now Brian Trump's team is filing a new motion seeking a delay in the trial we already saw them try to delay this trial three times last week so how do you see that playing out I think no sooner than.

They finish the sentence for their argument the judge will make a ruling and say no let's just move on because ultimately again I understand from a defense standpoint I have done it myself I'm sure that the moment I'm done finishing this sentence I'm going to get many prosecutors who are going to text me and say oh that's your stance on last.

Minute delays uh but you do it because the argument is again if you don't make the argument here you cannot appeal it down the road and they want every appellant argument that they can make uh going after this trial if they do lose but ultimately the judge is already signals as John has said we've got 500 jurors waiting for us this is about to.

Start whether you like it or not if there's an issue we'll take it up later the appell court can listen to it but we're going to start this trial and I don't think any argument is going to delay that at this point yeah this is going to take some time thank you Brian thank you John as well and RI Klein thank you all we will have continuing.

Coverage of the former president's trial all day long right here on ABC News live we're also following another major story Fallout over Iran's assault on Israel unleashing hundreds of missiles and drones most of them shot down or failing to reach their target Israel's war cabinet weighing a response as President Biden and other world leaders trying to.

Prevent further ES escalation we have Team coverage on the tensions in the Middle East coming up whenever news breaks we are here in Israel a nation at war after that brutal surprise attack by Hamas on the ground in Ukraine reporting from Leon Maine the scene of a horrific mass shooting ABC.

News live is right there everywhere from the scene of that deadly missile strike in Dena Ukraine reporting from the earthquake in Turkey in Rolling Fort This Tornado tore through this little town from the most devastating disaster in Hawaii from Charleston South Carolina on the 2024 campaign Trail in Iceland let's go.

Traveling with the president in Mexico City wherever the story from the front lines from Southern Israel outside the Gaza Strip in beir from the FBI reporting from the nurses on the pick line here at 10 Downing Street in London streaming live to you wherever the story is wherever the story is wherever the story is we're going to take you there.

Streaming ABC News live ABC News live you're streaming ABC News live ABC news live streaming free everywhere America's number one streaming news first thing in the morning there's a lot going on get another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's.

Happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News.

Live here was a story where's Kate what's going on with Kate of course the mystery of a missing woman and a royal doesn't get more fascinating than that then the moment that silenced everyone it's been a really difficult time I would argue that the royal family were already facing a crisis this Health crisis has given them probably their.

Biggest challenge the crown in crisis what is the relationship like between Harry and William today now streaming on Hulu welcome back to ABC News live first Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his War cabinet today to discuss potential responses to Iran's attack the cabinet met yesterday but ended their meeting.

Meeting without making a final decision about a response this after Iran launched a massive missile and drone Barrage at Israel over the weekend two US officials confirmed to ABC news that at least half failed before reaching their targets and Israel says 99% of the others were intercepted let's bring in senior White House correspondent Selena.

Wang senior Pentagon reporter Louis Martinez and ABC's National Security and defense analyst Mick mroy and foreign correspondent Tom Sufi bur in Tel Aviv Israel to talk about this Tom we want to start with you Israeli War cabinet members met today where officials were considering a response to Iran's attack what do we know so.

Far yes Stephanie the second meeting of the war cabinet within 24 hours is now broken up we have no word yet on whether a decision has been made over Israel's possible response all about the possible timing of any potential action Israel is due to take what we are getting though is is interesting comment from an Israeli official speaking uh to ABC News.

And that official uh saying that he or she believes that any Israeli response will be in their words carefully calibrated uh to not uh jeopardize the success of Saturday night and of course the success from Israel's point of view and the Coalition around it namely the United States is of course the high shootdown of those Iranian uh missiles.

And drones in in that Mass Attack unprecedented attack attack but of course this is a high stakes moment for Israel Iran has effectively Rewritten the rules here in the Middle East up until now Iran was effectively fighting a kind of Shadow War using only proxies like Hezbollah and the houthis in Yemen uh to attack Israel now the rules of the.

Game have changed and the Israeli government you know is is weighing up its its options and of course even within the Israeli government there are competing interests and Views and that is this sort of crucial moment that now faces the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and we know the Biden.

Administration has told Israel to slow down I want to bring in Selena Wang Selena uh tell us exactly how President Biden and his team is responding yeah well look in that phone call after the attack President Biden's message to Netanyahu was basically take the win here you've already shown that Israel's military is superior that you have a.

Coalition of people helping you you were able to take down almost all of the drones and missiles coming at you so he's now asking Netanyahu to take it slow think carefully and strategically about his next steps he's also made very clear to Israel that if they decide to strike back at Iran they will do so alone that the US is not going to help.

Clearly the US is able to help on the defensive side but they're not going to go on the offensive President Biden his priority here is to prevent this from escalating into a wider War they're very concerned that if Israel counter strikes and there are any deaths in Iran that this could be a Tit for Tat where we see things really spiral here so that is.

Really the focus of this Administration now but despite all the pressure you're seeing from the US to the Israelis to Tom's point they likely are going to respond they are bracing for that the question now is with the ball in Israel's core is what they do next exactly what direction do they go and thank you Louie uh this next question is.

For you Israel says 99% of Iran's 300 missiles and drones that made it to Israel were intercepted but Israeli officials say Iran significantly increased the number of missiles it would fire uh why is that is is there is there anything there at the Pentagon or any officials that have spoken to that Stephanie that's something that we're.

Trying to chase down here at the Pentagon U because there was us Intelligence coming in in real time to The Situation Room uh about the extent of the Iranian uh attack on Israel we know that there was a first Salvo of 80 missiles um that first went went out towards uh Israel and then there was a second Salvo a few maybe an hour so.

Later um but one of the things that we're trying to ascertain is exactly U remember the drones were launched it took hours for them to fly all the way Westward towards Israel then it gave uh the United States Israel most importantly time to react and to prepare the defenses that they already had ready in place um so the question is did the.

Iranians then see that and then say we need to launch a second Salvo um so that's something that we're trying to narrow down here on the US side obviously that's coming in from Israeli officials and and Mick I want to bring Mick into this conversation a Us official tells ABC they expect Israel to take some sort of countermeasure but.

It's unclear how big but Iran has made it clear it considers the matter close so what could a possible retaliation mean for the region so I think it's it is clear that the Israelis feel they have to have some response or they would set a paradigm whereas they attack these irgc cuds Force officers the primary Iranian.

Entity that deals with proxies that attacks Israel and then it's then it Iran feels it can attack directly into Israel from Iran so from Tom's uh uh comments it looks like they're going to go more on the low end which is obviously in line with what the White House would like to see White House potentially wouldn't like to see any.

Response in Iran but it's also important to point out that there's history here so President Reagan asked Israel not to strike the nuclear facilities Iraq they did President Bush asked him not to drike the nuclear facilities in Syria they did so there is a history here of them doing this either way but hopefully hopefully it's done in a way that.

Doesn't uh bring Iran into feeling like they have to do an even larger attack if any back into Israel but that's the biggest concern that's how these uh these conflicts turns into Wars and gets uh gets escalated very quickly the ball is in Israel's Court we will see what direction they go in thank you all thank you Selena Louie General.

Robert Abrams and Tom Sufi bur more of the day's top stories right after this break this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee Cent In Putin Russia on the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 storm you're along I five Austin is in the Bulls let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming.

News anytime anywhere streaming 247 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America's number one streaming news with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of.

Television give it to why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to.

The day Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R ml Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here first thing in the morning there's a lot going on got.

Another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good.

To me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live I'm mola langy in payout Lebanon and wherever The Story Goes we'll take you there you're watching ABC News live welcome back to ABC News live let's take a look at some of the day's top stories.

The weapon supervisor for Alec Baldwin's film rust will learn her prison sentence today Hannah Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter last month for the death of another crew member who was shot when a gun held by Baldwin went off she faces up to 18 months in prison Baldwin is also charged with involuntary manslaughter his trial is scheduled to.

Start in July security at the Boston Marathon is on high alert after law enforcement agencies have identified what they're calling a broad set of potential soft targets for an attack that is according to a threat assessment obtained by ABC News officials say the most significant threat facing this Marathon comes from.

Loan offenders and small groups of individuals looking to commit acts of violence particularly at designated viewing areas Boston law enforcement says 48 local state and federal Public Safety organizations will be positioned throughout the city and the path of that race police say they know of no specific.

Threats to the area and in much lighter news the highly anticipated WNBA draft tips off tonight Caitlyn Clark is expected to be the number one pick with Angel Reese and Camila cardoso not too far behind the excitement comes after The Women's NCAA Championship Game Drew more viewers than the men's final for the first time ever.

You can see the WNBA draft live tonight at 7:30 Eastern on ESPN we do want to thank you for streaming with us I'm Stephanie Ramos ABC News live is here for you anytime time with the latest news context and Analysis we'll be right back what does it take to be the most watched newscast in America.

An operation to capture Isis Fighters This our combat operation Cent we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag there's not a tear in it not a tear in.

It how important is this label right here made the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love this great work hi where are you where are you appreciate you thank you DAV to meet you is David D yes yes I'm David M I know who you are watch you every.

Night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's most watched newscast this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee Cent In Putin's Russia on the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 storm you're along I five Boston is in the bullseye let's go ABC News live America's number.

One streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America's number one streaming news first thing in the morning there's a lot going on got another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute.

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Why at Good Morning America we're right here and we got you we got you we got you good afternoon I'm Stephanie Ramos today on ABC News live First We are following breaking news the historic first ever trial of a former president is getting underway former president Trump is inside the courtroom for jury.

Selection in the hush money case against him the Manhattan district attorney is seeking to hold Trump in contempt of court after charging him with fals business records to conceal payments he allegedly made to stormmy Daniels through his then attorney Michael Cohen the judge appears to be growing impatient with Trump's legal team after.

Hours of back and forth over various motions judge Juan Merchant abruptly ended the debate saying 500 jurors are waiting to be vetted and there's more important work to be done earlier today Trump called the trial an assault on America he has pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges against him we have full team coverage as this trial gets underway.

With jury selection want to bring in executive editorial producer John santui the district attorney John is now seeking to hold Trump in content we saw him walk in we saw him speak to reporters and now this what's the latest so it's actually nothing to do with statements Donald Trump has made to camera it's actually social media post.

Donald Trump made on his social media platform truth social so a prosecutors are arguing in Court Stephanie that on three occasions Donald Trump made post intimidating witnesses that could be a part of this case or statements that involved Witnesses in this case so for each of those instances the prosecutors in this case are asking the judge to.

Find Donald Trump ,000 so if we do the math times three a $3,000 fine is what prosecutors are seeking now our team is very quickly based off of the statements Donald Trump has made I'm sorry prosecutors have made in court pulled what we believe these social media stat ments are it appears it's comments attacking stormmy Daniels um another.

Comment that he posted about was reacting to a post by Michael avanatti who at one point was stormy Daniel's attorney if you recall Often by her side when things first came to fruition and there is a third post were still trying to locate it something about Michael Cohen being a liar and obviously that would attack his credibility so what.

Prosecutors are saying is that look this gag order that judge merchan put into effect Not only was about the prosecutor or the judge's family or others it involved Witnesses and these posts very clearly from the mind of prosecutors are targeting attacking those Witnesses and violating that gag order now the judge is not ruled on that they just broke for.

Lunch but you got to imagine when they come back we're going to get a sense if this will be the first fine Donald Trump gets from this court and we were speaking about this earlier how Trump had been walking this fine line when it came to this gag order want to bring in Chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Carl uh John prosecutors asked the judge.

To elect ow evidence of Trump's alleged witness intimidation what can you tell us about this alleged pressure campaign to keep Witnesses off the stand at this trial uh this has been an issue with Donald Trump actually in in several of his cases he's actually had to be uh admonished uh by by more than one judge reminded not to intimidate Witnesses uh.

So this is uh something an effort to uh uh to intimidate this the central witness in this case Michael uh Trump's former longtime lawyer somebody who uh himself spent time in jail uh on uh charges related uh in part to uh these payments to Stormy Daniels uh you know it's it it sometimes it seems a little uh it's intimidation uh.

Reminding witnesses that uh that they'll be taken care of uh if they um uh if they don't cross Donald Trump uh but there is a this has been a recurring theme uh with Trump in each of his cases uh thank you John I want to bring in ABC's contributor and former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons uh Chris the judge says there are 500 potential.

Jurors waiting to be vetted how one usual is that and to have that many people sitting there waiting and what does that say about the magnitude of this case so Stephanie I mean it definitely tells you it's a high-profile case you know normally you get a jury of maybe 40 people maybe 48 people if it looks like.

It's controversial those would be the the veneer that comes in at first for the jury selection here the fact that they summon 500 they know that this is not the just any ordinary case this is not just any ordinary high-profile case this is probably the highest profile case to have happened um arguably in the history of this country you've got a.

Former president on trial and so with that you've got to bring in 500 people because you've got to narrow it down can we find you know the the 12 the the 16 the 18 depending on how many alternates that can be fair that can put aside you and we're not looking for people that haven't heard about the case but we are looking for our folks that can put aside.

Any beliefs that they've formed about this case and render a fair and impartial jury or fair and impartial verdict Stephanie and and this jury selection process expected to take just this week probably going into next week as well I want to bring in Rick Klein our political director Rick Trump's attorney says he wants to attend.

Every day every day of this trial is this the new campaign Trail yes uh it is and look it has been for some time for Donald Trump where he spent more time in courtrooms Often by choice than on the actual campaign Trail now it is going to be more of a situation where he's required to be there for all the official proceedings he acknowledged to.

The judge that he understands that that he recognized that this is not a surprise to the campaign the people running the campaign don't particularly like it but they're stuck with it and this is going to be the reality of this campaign is that Donald Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee for president and a former president himself.

Is essentially going to be campaigning from inside and outside a courthouse for the foreseeable future for at least 4 days or so every week uh they're going to have to put campaign rallies on weekends they're going to have to schedule things for Wednesdays and maybe after or even before the court session begins if he wants to do anything else.

But this is the reality it is again this is not how any campaign manager would ever design it but if anyone is designed himself to take advantage of a situation like that it is the former president who knows the media landscape so well who knows the cameras so well and and the microphones that are waiting for him uh which could also be problematic if he's.

If he says too much outside court but I I expect that The Campaign Will very much continue it's not like it's on pause just because he's on trial and thanks Rick and John cry I want to bring you in John um let's talk more about this proposed fine this is day one is do you think this at all will kind of real Trump in.

Will reign him in like will this stop him from speaking to cameras before going into the court especially if if he's expected to be there every single day of the trial will this kind of uh restrict him well it's interesting right because it's almost like you know we all know Donald Trump in front of a microphone is dangerous if you will if.

You're his lawyers especially but the fact of the matter is it's Donald Trump with something like this that now caused him a problem right that he's literally sitting there sometimes late at night we you know listen we wake up in the morning we have all the notifications that Donald Trump has done it I remember so many times waking up campaign AIDS.

And eventually White House hates Donald Trump saying hey what do you think about this tweet and they would say what tweet are you talking about right most people are not with him when he is on social media so the idea is that people can try to step in give them a nudge give them a look when it's in person but this is where Donald Trump has to actually be.

His own Hall Monitor right like you can't post and comment things you can't retweet things or whatever we call it on on Truth social so I do think if this actually goes through you know look $3,000 to Donald Trump in a past couple of months you'd say yeah not that much he's on the hook for nearly $500 million between the New York AG Fine what he.

Owes EEG Carol in defamation case so I don't know maybe you say to yourself H let me knock it off I've got a lot of bills at the moment that would be the thought and when we saw him this morning he we were speaking about this he kept a pretty General he didn't bring up individuals who were expected to take the stand however on on the social media.

Platform where he of course talked about Michael Cohen Brian uh Trump's team has filed another motion to delay the trial we saw they tried to delay the trial last week three separate times what's their goal with these motions just to extend this process as as much as possible delay delay delay has been the tactic for most if not all of his cases.

Ultimately trying to push them beyond the election ultimately if he gets elected as the next president he gets to turn around and say I can't go to court I'm I'm running a country I can't abide by whatever potential punishment he does receive uh if he is convicted of this case uh and also he he gets to say you know what I've got bigger fish to fry.

And can ultimately uh as a president kind of look and say maybe this case should be terminated because I I've got other things to do um but what I'm really interested about is this contempt of court that we're probably going to hear about either uh immediately after the lunch break or some other time what we talk about contempt of court uh I.

Think specifically this one we're talking about a thousand fine that's the Mis Aunor criminal contempt that we have here in New York and I think the big arguments here are either that he intentionally uh disobeyed to resisted a lawful process or mandate or the other one I can see the argument being that he that's an intentional failure to obey uh.

To failure to obey any mandate process or notice issued upon him and I think what's going to happen here is the pro going to say hey he intentionally did this like he named names and he was told not to do this and I think the push back for the defense would be that it was too vague it was too General and you're getting into this first amendment issue.

Where he should be allowed to say I question the credibility of the people coming forward he's not making direct threats as to try to harm anyone and I think that's going to be the play that we're going to see come 215 230 after break all right we will see let's check in with senior investigative correspondent Aon kki who is outside the.

Court Aaron you have been watching these proceedings from the Overflow room what does that seem like well we've seen that that prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's office have made a motion to try and hold former president Trump in contempt of court over his uh extrajudicial statements namely three.

Social media posts that prosecutors believed were dispar in of Witnesses in the case and therefore a violation of The Limited gag order judge Juan Maran imposed the judge said he would think that over over lunch the defense attorneys pushed back and said Trump's social media posts were not uh in violation of the gag order but it gives.

You a sense of of just how contentious the proceeding is and we haven't even started jury selection yet at one point the judge noted we have 500 potential jurors waiting for us and he didn't want to get into the minutia of some of the legal wrangling that the the defense attorneys and the prosecutors were were trying to argue so we expect that after.

The lunch break will'll get into jury selection uh proper but we've had a look at at former president Trump throughout the proceedings he does appear to be engaged actively conferring with his Attorneys at one point in fact defense attorney Todd blanch appeared to to kind of whack Trump on the arm a little bit as if to say okay I got it enough uh but.

We're not sure what that specific dialogue was like but the former president is clearly interested in what his lawyer is communicating to the judge that is very interesting and we're looking at uh we were seeing sketches of the former president there in the courtroom thank you so much Aaron let's check in with senior reporter Katherine.

Folders Katherine Trump is of course facing legal battles on multiple fronts what are you watching for as this case moves forward I know earlier you were speaking of the the the AIDS and in certain individuals that are expected to take the stand but what's sticking out what are you looking out for the most throughout the tri well I think during.

The jury selection process that would be interesting to see for example what Trump's lawyers strike potential jurors on whether it be for cause whether it be what they've said is bias do Trump's lawyers try and do another Hail Mary attempt uh to ask for another change of venue I'm told that that's something that they could try logistically I don't.

Know really how that would work or even if the judge would allow it but I think what's fascinating here is you see that image right there Trump the one that you just had before and is is uh lawyer Todd blanch sitting beside him blanch came on the Trump legal team just for this case he's now leading the federal cases the Jack Smith probes so January 6 in the.

Classified documents case and what's even more striking is when you saw Trump exit Trump Tower today with his legal team he was also exiting with another one of his codefendants in another case Walt NAA his valet his top Aid who is charged alongside him uh federally in Florida for Trump's alleged efforts to conceal and obstruct the classified.

Documents probe so of course this is just one of the legal challenges that Trump is facing he has so many additional matters outstanding how does the legal team juggle all of these there's various different hearings in various different districts but as Rick and sanui and Carl have also been talking about here Trump is really using.

This to blend the political with the legal he has said before that Joe Biden is taking him off the campaign Trail when he didn't really have to be there he's trying to capitalize on this and use his legal challenges as a way to boost his political campaign you will see a lot of that through his rhetoric but also through the people around him.

Whether it be his lawyers or his top campaign AIDS who have been seen there today and we will see what happens after lunch there as the cortis in recess Katherine thank you so much and thanks to the rest of our team Aaron uh John Brian Chris Timmons the whole team with you all day long we will have continuing coverage of the former president's trial.

Here on ABC News live more of the top stories including the latest on tensions in the Middle East stay with us what does it take to be the most watched newscast in America an operation to capture Isis Fighters This our combat operation we're approaching the gate now militants came.

In from four or five different directions operational new clear reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag there's not a tear in it not a tear in it how important is this label right here made the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love it great.

Work hi where are you where are you appreciate you thank you David thanet you is David David yes yes I'm David I know you are watch you every night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's most watched newscast can you believe it it's 25.

Years of breakfast and bed surprising moms Across America oh my goodness and for our 25th anniversary we're making it the biggest surprise yet a full-on breakfast and fed Extravaganza like you have never seen before so got a good morning am.com or scan this QR code to find out how to enter a deserving mom you love for.

Breakfast and bed why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R murl Awards and see why the New York Times calls it.

A news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here welcome back to ABC News live first Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his War cabinet today to discuss potential.

Responses to Iran's attack the cabinet met yesterday but ended their meeting without making a final decision about without a response this after Iran launched a massive missile and drone Barrage at Israel over the weekend two US officials confirmed to ABC news that at least half failed before reaching their targets and Israel says 99% of the.

Others were intercepted let's bring in senior White House correspondent Selena Wang senior Pentagon reporter Louis Martinez and ABC's National Security and defense analyst Mick mroy and foreign correspondent Tom Sufi B in Tel Aviv Israel to talk about this Tom we want to start with you Israeli War cabinet members met today where officials were.

Considering a response to Iran's attack what do we know so far yes Stephanie the second meeting of the war cabinet within 24 hours is now broken up we have no word yet on whether a decision has been made over Israel's possible response or about the possible timing of any potential action Israel is due to take what we are getting though.

Is is in comment from an Israeli official speaking uh to ABC News and that official uh saying that he or she believes that any Israeli response will be in their words carefully calibrated uh to not uh jeopardize the success of Saturday night and of course the success from Israel's point of view and the Coalition around it namely the United.

States is of course the high shootdown of those Iranian uh missiles and drones in in that Mass Attack unprecedented attack but of course this is a high stakes moment moment for Israel Iran has effectively Rewritten the rules here in the Middle East up until now Iran was effectively fighting a kind of Shadow War using only proxies like Hezbollah.

And the houthis in Yemen uh to attack Israel now the rules of the game have changed and the Israeli government you know is is weighing up its its options and of course even within the Israeli government there are competing interests and Views and that is this sort of crucial moment that now faces the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin.

Netanyahu and we know the Biden Administration has told Israel to slow down I want to bring in Selena Wang Selena uh tell us exactly how President Biden and his team is responding yeah well look in that phone call after the attack President Biden's message to Netanyahu was basically take the win here you've already shown that.

Israel's military is superior that you have a coalition of people helping you you were able to take down almost all of the drones and missiles coming at you so he's now asking Netanyahu to take it slow think carefully and strategically about his next steps he's also made very clear to Israel that if they decide to strike back at Iran they will do so.

Alone that the US is not going to help clearly the US is able to help on the defensive side but they're not going to go on the offensive President Biden his priority here is to prevent this from escalating into a wider War they're very concerned that if Israel counter strikes and there are any deaths in Iran that this could be a Tit for Tat where we see.

Things really spiral here so that is really the focus of this Administration now but despite all the pressure you're seeing from the US to the Israelis to Tom's point they likely are going to respond they are bracing for that the question now is with the ball in Israel's core is what they do next exactly what direction do they go in.

Thank you Louie uh this next question is for you Israel says 99% of Iran's 300 missiles and drones that made it to Israel were intercepted but Israeli officials say Iran significantly increased the number of missiles it would fire uh why is that is is there is there anything there at the Pentagon or any officials that have spoken to that.

Stephanie that's something that we're trying to chase down here at the Pentagon um because there was us Intelligence coming in in real time to The Situation Room uh about the extent of the Iranian uh attack on Israel we know that there was a first Salvo of 80 missiles um that first went went out towards Israel and then there was a.

Second Salvo a few maybe an hour or so later um but one of the things that we're trying to ascertain is exactly U remember the drones were launched it took hours for them to fly all the way Westward towards Israel then it gave uh the United States Israel most importantly time to react and to prepare the defenses that they already had ready.

In place um so the question is did the Iranians then see that and then say we need to launch a second Salvo um so that's something that we're trying to narrow down here on the US side obviously that's coming in from Israeli officials and and Mick I want to bring Mick into this conversation a Us official tells ABC they expect Israel to.

Take some sort of countermeasure but it's unclear how big but Iran has made it clear it considers the matter close so what could a possible retaliation mean for the region so I think it's it is clear that the Israelis feel they have to have some response or they would set a paradigm whereas they attack these irgc cods.

Force officers the primary Iranian entity that deals with proxies that attacks Israel and then it's then Iran feels it can attack directly into Israel from Iran so from Tom's uh uh comments it looks like they're going to go more on the low end which is obviously in line with what the White House would like to see White House potentially.

Wouldn't like to see any response in Iran but it's also important to point out that there is history here so President Reagan asked Israel not to strike the nuclear facilities in Iraq they did President President Bush asked him not to drike the nuclear facilities in Syria they did so there is a history here of them doing this either way but.

Hopefully hopefully it's done in a way that doesn't uh bring Iran into feeling like they have to do an even larger attack if any back into Israel but that's the biggest concern that's how these uh these conflicts turns into Wars and gets uh gets escalated very quickly our thanks to Selena Wang Louis Martinez Mick mroy and Tom Sufi Burj thank you.

All more of the day's top stories right after the break why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast on with four Edward R ml Awards and see why.

The New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure.

America's number one most watched newscast across all of tele ision first thing in the morning there's a lot going on get another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people.

Are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live here was a story where's Kate what's going on with Kate of course the mystery.

Of a missing woman an a royal doesn't get more fascinating than that then the moment that silenced everyone it's been a really difficult time I would argue that the royal family were already facing a crisis this Health crisis has given them probably their biggest challenge the crown in crisis what is the relationship like between Harry and.

William today now streaming on Hulu right now there's just so much happening in our world so much at stake at the start of every morning making sense of it all that's not always so easy and that's where we come in Good Morning America we want you to know every morning we're right here and we got you you're watching America's number one.

Streaming news ABC News live breaking news exclusives live reporting across the globe keep streaming with ABC News live I'm zorine sha reporting from the New Hampshire primary wherever the story is we'll take you there you're streaming ABC News live welcome back to ABC News live let's.

Take a look at some of the day's top stories the weapon supervisor for Alec Baldwin's film rust will learn her prison sentence today Hannah Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter last month for the death of another crew member who was shot when a gun held by Baldwin went off she faces up to 18 months in prison Baldwin is.

Also charged with involuntary manslaughter his trial is scheduled to start in July security at the Boston Marathon is on high alert after law enforcement agencies have identified what they're calling a broad set of potential soft targets or an attack that is according to a threat assessment obtained by ABC News officials say the.

Most significant threat facing this Marathon comes from loan offenders and small groups of individuals looking to commit acts of violence particularly at designated viewing areas Boston law enforcement says 48 local state and federal Public Safety organizations will be positioned throughout the city and the path of that.

Race police say they know of no specific threats to the area and in much lighter news the highly anticipated WNBA draft tips off tonight Caitlyn Clark is expected to be the number one pick with Angel Reese and Camila cardoso not too far behind the excitement comes after The Women's NCAA Championship Game Drew more viewers than.

The men's final for the first time ever you can see the WNBA draft live tonight at 7:30 Eastern on ESPN we do want to thank you for streaming with us I'm Stephanie Ramos ABC News live is here for you anytime with the latest news context and Analysis we'll be right back this is ABC News live the crush of.

Families here in Poland at Refugee Cent In Putin Russia on the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 storm long I Boston is in the bullseye let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you we making ABC newsline America's number one streaming.

News with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of Television the first parents in America to be charged in a school shooting this is about parents who neglected their son ignored his cries for help then bought.

Him a gun you don't get to walk away from that that's a criminal act only on Hulu why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R ml Awards and.

See why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here it's lunch time in America so what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know that sounds pretty good your health.

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Live and good afternoon everyone I'm Kira Phillips let's get right to our top story the people of the state of New York versus Donald J Trump the first ever criminal trial of a former president of the United States right now Trump is in recess as he attends the trial there in Manhattan for jury selection in the hush money case against.

Him the culmination of a year-long indictment by Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg Trump is charged with 34 counts of allegedly falsifying documents to hide those payments he made to porn star T stormmy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged Affair prior to his Run for the White House in 2016 Trump has pleaded not guilty to the.

Charges claiming that the case is just election interference as he continues to campaign for the November election and he continued to push that claim as he entered the courthouse this morning the former president attempting to discredit the case calling it an assault on America this is political persecution this is a persecution like never before.

Nobody's ever seen anything like it and again it's a case that should have never been brought we have full team coverage of this historic New York criminal trial joining me now our senior investigative correspondent Aon Cur also executive editorial producer John zanui Elizabeth schully is here in Washington J O'Brien.

Is up on the hill former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons is with us and criminal defense attorney Tim Jansen we have a Full Slate Aaron uh let's start with you talk to us about what has happened so far today it's all been preliminaries so far at this historic first criminal trial of a former American president former.

President Trump paused at the door to the courthouse then walked down the center aisle took his place at the defense table and conferred frequently with his attorneys during the proceedings which have all focused on preliminary matters the judge immediately turned aside a request to recuse himself from the case Trump has.

Been pushing for that over the political work of the judge's daughter he said that was just based on inuendo no need for that and then he took up a number of evidentiary matters as Trump's attorneys and prosecutors squabbled over which evidence should be allowed and and then then just before lunch prosecutors asked the judge for permission to file a.

Request to hold Trump in contempt of court because they say he violated the judge's limited gag order with a series of social media posts disparaging Witnesses the judge's order prevents Trump from attacking Witnesses in the case along with others and defense attorney said well he didn't do it but the judge said he's going to consider it.

Now during the lunch break all right we'll see what happens in during the lunch break bre Chris Trump is charged with falsifying his business records as we know to conceal this alleged criminal conduct as a former prosecutor what exactly does the da need to prove because everyone pretty much Knows by now the name Stormy.

Daniels the fact that she wrote a scathing book uh and also Michael Cohen I mean we know how he has thrown his former boss under the bus and has been very open about uh their relationship and Trump's activities so K what I think everybody has to remember is that this case is coming out of what happened back in 2016 and what.

Was going on at that time allegedly at least according to the prosecutors was that Donald Trump was paying this money uh to uh keep Stormy Daniels from coming forward and thus jeopardizing his chances of being elected in 2016 I think the hardest part that the the prosecution is going to have is intent I think Donald Trump's got a number of.

Arguments on what his intent was look I thought I was just paying legal fees I didn't pay any attention I didn't know that this these were hush money payments I had no involvement in that there's a lot of different things he can say and finally I think what he could say is look I was just paying this money because I didn't want my family to find.

Out that I had these Affairs going on I didn't really care about the election look I mean you know I got elected regardless of the these things coming out I still have a ton of support despite you know having these things in my background or these alleged things in my background and finally I think he'll also deny that he ever had an affair.

With stormy Daniel so there's a lot to look at and your job as a prosecutor really is to disprove the defense to get around that high Beyond A Reasonable Doubt burden so Tim you're a criminal defense attorney Trump has denied having an affair with Stormy Daniels even though she gives far too many cringey details in her book How would you be.

Approaching this case if you were on the Trump legal team well of course you know Michael Cohen has been labeled a Serial perjurer he's a convicted felon uh Stormy Daniels has drafted a letter in 2018 in which she said not only did I not do this but we never had an affair uh she was motivated by money and and.

Clearly they're going to have a hard stretch proven the intent issue did Trump know well they're GNA have to rely on the testimony of Michael Cohen convicted felon who's labeled as a serial perjurer to prove that Trump knew this wasn't legal fees um and I think Trump probably will not testify he would probably be his Own Worst Enemy the.

Prosecution would love him to testify but I think they're going to be able to prove that they cannot prove the intent remember this these are misdemeanor charges that have been now trumped up into federal charges in a state courtroom there a lot of hurdles that this prosecution's going to have to get over and Trump has a really good defense.

Team so John Trump has made at least what 11 attempts now to delay the trial he loves to delay and so far it has worked in his favor but could things actually change this time around well well it feels like 11 12 I mean he tried again today in the court of appeals in New York I mean we don't know what's going to happen just yet on that one.

It's not mattering right because look at where we are at this moment we are in this courtroom we are going through a calendar Kira we are getting the rules for the road as jury selection as many expect will get underway once lunch ends and the reality is Donald Trump has succeeded in delting three of the other cases but one somehow has gotten through.

And this just happens to be it look the other part of this though is that this makes things extremely complicated for Donald Trump the candidate obviously he's the defendant in that courtroom but as we all know he is a candidate for the 2024 race for the White House so being in court four days a week as one Aid said to me makes it impossible for him.

To do the things we need him to do get out there and campaign raise money now they're going to find ways around that doing you know remote events sending him out on Wednesdays and over the weekends but nevertheless Kira this case however long it goes makes it very difficult as you well know for Donald Trump to actually do what he should be doing.

Right now campaigning well Elizabeth does he really need to campaign because he seems to use these moments in time uh to help his reelection campaign his polls are still very strong so thoughts on that plus President Biden do you think he'll use this in any way shape or form to his Advantage because it doesn't seem to.

Really help him when he does well and Care we've seen just how intertwined the former president's campaign and his legal battles are they're one and the same at this point he's using every opportunity to try to raise awareness about the fact that the White House race is just a few months away but when it comes to President Biden he is staying.

Far from this do not expect to hear from the president or the White House about this trial in fact Kira we haven't heard from the White House on any of the four criminal indictments that the former president is facing and that's because they say they don't want to interfere with the court system they are trying to draw a very clear contrast here with the.

Former president who has reled lessly attacked the judicial system and Tred to accuse the former president the current president without evidence of interfering with these cases so for now the White House says the president is governing we expect Kira unlike Trump President Biden will be hitting the campaign Trail this week tomorrow he's.

Heading out to Pennsylvania where he'll be spending most of the week so Jay what's the word up there on Capitol Hill are lawmakers talking about this paying attention do they have their TVs on it's interesting I to the amount that they're paying attention I'm not quite sure we've heard a little bit of reaction today from Republican lawmakers The.

Usual Suspects Margery Taylor green Matt Gates Troy Nells of Texas who's made it his mission to come out and defend Donald Trump at every turn uh called these charges a quote unquote total sham but to the point that Elizabeth and John made about Trump using this at every turn to help his campaign he's also used those four criminal cases not just this.

One to bend Republicans on Capitol Hill to his will House Republicans are investigating Alvin Bragg's prosecution right now we've also seen Republican leaders up here on the Hill from Mike Johnson a staun trump Ally to Mitch McConnell who's at a very public break with Trump until recently come out against these charges say that they view.

Them as political Mitch McConnell has endorsed Donald Trump so the point being we now see Republicans who maybe even months ago when there was an active primary might have been somewhat fractured in lock step behind Donald Trump preparing themselves for the general election that is already upon us all right Aaron John Elizabeth Jay Chris.

And Tim appreciate you all we'll be checking back in with you of course throughout the afternoon all right we are still following the Fallout from Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel for the second day in a row Israel prime minister Israeli Prime Minister and his War cabinet are meeting to discuss their response to Saturday's attack the US is.

Making it clear to Israel that if it does Strike Back militarily it will do so alone but Biden just a short time ago reaffirming his support for Israel and adding together with our partners we defeated that attack both countries confirming Iran's attack was pretty much a failure at least half of those strikes failed before even reaching their.

Targets while almost all of them were intercepted and shot down we have Team coverage starting off with our foreign correspondent Tom Sufi Burge there in Tel Aviv senior White House correspondent Selena Wang in Washington Senior Pentagon reporter Lou Martinez and also ABC News contributor and former deputy assistant secretary of defense.

For the Middle East Mick mroy so Tom the Israeli cabinet reconvening today let's talk about what do we know if anything uh with regard to Israel's potential response here yeah K it's the second meeting of the Israeli War cabinet in just 24 hours since that since that unprecedented Iranian attack on Israeli soil in the.

Early hours of Sunday uh we haven't got any word yet if the Israeli government has reached a decision what the timing of any possible response could be but we're getting some interesting comment from one Israeli official who in their words says that any Israeli action will be quote carefully calibrated not to jeopardize the success of Saturday the.

Success of course being the high shootdown rate of the of is by Israel of those drones and missiles as they even before they even got into many of them but even got into Israeli airspace and of course the wider Coalition around it but of course this is a high stakes moment for prime minister Netanyahu it's a big big decision on the one hand he.

Has to make sure that Iran other people in the region and don't think that an attack of this nature can go uh unpunished uh but at the same time the Us and other allies are weighing in on Israel and telling them to to hold back refrain from from doing something more severe which would probably uh mean that Iran would respond.

Again so Selena how involved is the White House at this point well look here right now the White House is watching very carefully they're on edge and they're really urging restraint in a phone call after that attack President Biden essentially told Netanyahu to take the win that you've already proven that the Israeli military.

Is superior you did not face any significant damage and really urging restraint here telling Netanyahu to take things slow think very carefully and deliberately about the risk of escalation here and we did just hear the president in his first on camera remarks in the Oval Office since that Iranian strike and he touted the unprecedented.

Military Onslaught from Iran and the ability of the US and its Partners along with Israel to combat it and take a listen to what else he said here we're committed to a cease fire that will bring the hostages home and preventing conflict from spreading beyond what it already has we're also committed to the security of our.

Personnel and partners in the region including Iraq so the president they're keeping the focus as well on what's happening in Gaza remember the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu it is Frosty just less than two weeks ago the president had threatened to change US policy if Netanyahu doesn't do more to protect.

Civilians in Gaza but the president's Focus Kira here is to keep things from escalating he made it clear to Netanyahu as well that if they strike back at Iran the US is not going to get involved they are not going to help so Louis 99% of Iran's targets intercepted shot down according to Israel uh what does that tell you about Iran's military.

Capabilities and more importantly Israel's Cara I mean we have heard for years about Iran's military cap abilities how they have heavily invested in their ballistic missile program and it is a threat it remains a threat um I think what you saw on Saturday was a combination effort on the part of the United States working with Israel.

Working with other partner nations in the region and also in Western Europe to essentially help defend Israel from any kind of a big attack from Iran that big attack did take place and so as we heard from tvi bage there in Tel Aviv uh the Israelis want to build on that relationship on that success that they had over the weekend diplomatically and.

In terms of a potential response uh against Iran so what you we I think what we've learned is that the United States uh and Israel have developed a significant technological advantage in being able to destroy a large number of these incoming missiles but at the same time it Still Remains a threat and you can't always count on that technology to.

Bring down every single weapon that is true and Mick if the US doesn't back Israel and a potential military response how could or would it damage their relationship I think Israel is looking at this if they don't respond to this very uh large attack by Iran directly at Israel they'll set a new paradigm but they're having to balance that with what.

Obviously appears the US does not want to see a direct strike in Iran I do think that the United States made it clear as you point out that they won't be involved in any offensive actions but they've also made it clear that they will be in defensive actions and that means a lot to Israel because this is a very difficult uh scenario to defend.

Against as Lou pointed out it was very successful uh but it's very it's very deliberate and it's very expensive so I think the relationship uh will of course endure uh especially since the US has show shown so much commitment to Israel's defense and will if this does escalate or not Tom we are also learning more.

Details as to what Intel Israel and the US received ahead of the attack yeah that's right a senior Israeli Air Force official on a briefing this afternoon uh basically said that the majority of the Intel Israel got about giving it an advanced warning about the Iranian attack came from Coalition partners and that response was.

In response to a question uh related to the actual actions of Middle Eastern Nations uh in the overall defense in the early hours of Sunday morning now Israeli officials holding back on much detail they're giving about those specific Nations uh Jordan has already admitted that it intercepted uh either is uh Iranian drones or missiles in its.

Airspace but Israeli officials stressing that you know those Arab Nations did allow Israeli Jets to operate within their airspace and potentially Coalition Jets as well and that support was clearly clearly vital and if you look at the overall support that Israel got and in that successful defense of that Iranian attack you you clearly kind of.

Think that actually that gives the Us and other allies more leverage when it comes to the very tricky conversations with the Israeli government on how and when they might respond all right Tom Selena Louie and Mick appreciate it thank you sentencing day for rust armor Hannah Hannah gutier the latest on that case when we return.

whenever news breaks we are here in Israel a nation at war after that brutal surprise attack by Hamas on the ground in Ukraine reporting from Leon Maine the scene of a horrific mass shooting ABC News live is right there everywhere from the scene of that deadly missile strike in Dena.

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Afternoon for everything you need to know I love that first thing in the morning there's a lot going on got another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people.

Are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live glad you're streaming with us while.

The movie Set armor convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the rust film shooting is set to be sentenced today Hannah Gutierrez faces a maximum of 18 months in jail after a jury found her guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the shooting that resulted in the death of cinematographer Helena Hutchins for more let's bring in.

Our legal contributor and defense attorney sha lyd she's been following it from the very beginning uh when this all went down so as for today what do you expect uh the judge to rule shaa what do you think you know Carol when we look at this normally we would expect it to be on the lower end of the sentence right.

Hannah Gutierrez does not have a previous criminal history uh she has roots to the community she has the things that would typically allow for a lower sense but with this being a first a case of first impression it's the first time a movie set is being real looked at in this way I expect to see the judge give a higher penalty than we.

Would ordinarily expect to see just due to the deterrence and part of sentencing let's remember is deterring others from making the same mistake and I think that that is going to be a part that plays in this sentence particularly for this trial all right and let's talk about what's next just within the overall legal case I mean we have our eyes on.

Malik Baldwin as well absolutely from Hannah's team you may expect to see an appeal I would not be surprised at all to see an appeal of the sentence and the verdict and later down the road we do have to look forward to Alec Baldwin will be on trial for his charges and they are likely watching this sentencing very closely to see what.

They can foreshadow for his future and his trial as well all right Shan lyd appreciate it we'll follow uh everything today right along with you coming up the 128th Boston Marathon off and running we've got the latest results for you next what does it take to be the most watched newscast in.

America an operation to capture Isis Fighters is this our combat Operation Center we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag.

There's not a tear in it not a tear in it how important is this label right here made the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love this great work hi where are you where are you appreciate you thank you David good to meet you is David David yes yes I'm David M I know who you.

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Here we're reporting on board a US Navy destroyer in the Eastern Mediterranean I'm Maggie ruy wherever the story is we'll take you there you're watching ABC News live some other top headlines were falling for you this hour here on ABC News live the FBI launching a criminal investigation into the Francis Scott.

Keybridge collapse in Baltimore authorities are looking into whether the ship's crew knew something was wrong before even leaving Port agents were on the ship searching today late last month the cargo ship doly lost power before crashing into that bridge killing six people it's being called one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent.

History today marks one year of the brutal Civil War in Sudan a bloody conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and a paramilitary paramilitary group called the rapid support forces the un says 25 million people are in need of humanitarian Aid and in just one year the war has displaced 8 million people and killed an estimated 14,000.

Human beings humanitarian agencies say the death toll is much likely to be higher as that country remains impossible for observers to even enter from Hopkinton to The Back Bay the 128th Boston Marathon is off and running the results are racing in to Ethiopia's CE Lemo won the men's race with a final time of 2 hours 6 minutes 18 seconds.

Helen oi from Kenya breaking the pack for a repeat win in the women's Race 2 hours 22 minutes and 37 seconds then Marcel H from Sweden took first place in the men's wheelchair race at 1 hour 15 minutes and 33 seconds Britain's Eden rainbow Cooper winning the women's wheelchair race that she did in 1 hour 35 minutes and 11.

Seconds so AJ Simpson could prove to be a pretty polarizing person in death as he was in life because a battle is brewing over his estate now and there are new questions as to whether the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman will get the millions of dollars they are still owed Ariel rashev has the details a looming Showdown over.

Disgraced former football star OJ Simpson's estate Simpson died last week after a battle with prostate cancer his last will in tesate filed in a Nevada court on Friday his estate placed in a newly created trust with his longtime attorney Malcolm lever as executor who says he does not know how much the estate is worth personal belongings uh.

Anything they had like that is going to be part of the estate so there will be I will be doing inventorying and trying to see what is out there we the jury and the aboved entitled action find the defendant or orthal James Simpson not guilty of the crime of murder Simpson was infamously acquitted in a criminal trial for the brutal 1994 stabbing.

Deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman but he wasn't off the legal hook in 1997 Simpson was found liable for the slangs in a civil suit and ordered to pay more than $33 million in Damages but Simpson only paid a fraction now the goldmans want what they're legally owed Ron Goldman's Sister Kim telling ABC news.

Our family will follow the law as we always have we will continue to do our due diligence but the executive of Simpsons estate defiant saying it's my hope that the Goldman's get zero suggesting the estate needs to take care of other things first including his former client substantial IRS debt there's going to be a notice to.

Creditors when those claims come in we will deal with them and they'll be in a pecking order OJ Simpson had an estimated net worth of upwards of $10 million in the early 90s but after his Fall From Grace mostly lived off of his NFL pension and actors Union residuals reportedly earning $400,000 a year Uncle Sam is g to be.

First right and depending on the assets if he owed taxes it could be a situation where after the taxes are paid there's next to nothing left so then if you're the Goldman's you have to calculate is this even worth doing and with Simpson's assets set to go through the Nevada Court probate process the brown and Goldman families could be.

Paid a piece of whatever Simpson Left Behind again his executive says the value of his estate is still unclear Kira all right Ariel thank you and thank you to all of you for streaming with us I'm Kira Phillips from breaking news to all the stories that matter to you you can always find us on your favorite streaming service the ABC News app and.

Of course on abcnews.com the news never stops neither do we we'll be right back why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R murl Awards and see why the New.

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Already facing a crisis this Health crisis has given them probably their biggest challenge the crown in crisis what is the relationship like with between Harry and William today now streaming on Hulu with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure.

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Live good afternoon everyone I'm Kira Phillips let's get right to our top story today the people of the state of New York versus Donald J Trump the first ever criminal trial of a former president of the United States right now Trump is sitting in a New York courtroom as attorneys begin jury selection in the hush money case against them the.

Culmination of a year indictment by Manhattan district attorney Alvin brag Trump is charged with 34 counts of allegedly falsifying those documents to hide payments he made to Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged Affair prior to his Run for the White House in 2016 Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges claiming the case.

Is just election interference as he continues to campaign for the November election and he continued that push and the push that claim as he entered the courthouse this morning the former president attempting to discredit the case calling it an assault on America this is political persecution this is a persecution like never before.

Nobody's ever seen anything like it and again it's a case that should have never been BR we have full team coverage of this historic New York criminal trial starting with our investigative correspondent Olivia Rubin and a look at what's at stake I never thought in anything like.

This could happen for the first time in American history a former president of the United States standing trial on criminal charges these are felony crimes in New York State no matter who you are former president Donald Trump fought repeatedly to delay the case beginning today accusing him of illegally hiding.

Payments he orchestrated to pornstar Stormy Daniels to silence her Affair allegations during his 2016 White House bid the evidence will show that he did so to cover up crimes relating to the 2016 election multiple judges rejected Trump's last ditch efforts to Halt the trial brought by the Manhattan district.

Attorney Alvin Bragg now hundreds of potential jurors are being questioned in a courthouse downtown I don't know how you can have a trial that's going on right in the middle of an election not fair not fair lawyers for both sides will Whittle that group down to just 12 jurors and six alternates asking them questions to root.

Out any bias it includes have they ever attended a trump rally subscribed to the conspiracy movement of qanon or followed an anti-trump organization on social media the process expected to take as long as two weeks the whole point of jury selection is to find out not just do people know who the parties are involved not just do they know the.

Charges but rather can they set all of that information aside and be a fair and impersonal juror in this particular case the charges 34 counts of fals in business records the crime not the alleged sexual activity but the paperwork used to keep the payments to Stormy Daniels quiet prosecutors say Trump disguised the payments he made to.

His one-time lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen for Daniels to bury her Affair claims labeling them instead as legal payments for a non-existent retainer agreement with Cohen he directed me to make the payments he directed me to become involved in these matters prosecutors say those disguised checks cut from the Trump organization to Cohen.

Were part of a larger catch and kill scheme devised by Trump and his allies with the publisher of the national Inquirer together prosecutors say they would repeatedly buy negative stories about Trump only to never publish them he was very concerned about how this would affect the election to help his campaign to help him and the campaign.

Trump has pled not guilty to the charges and has called the case election interference he also claims the affair with Daniels never happened did you know about $130,000 payment Daniels Trump is no stranger to the legal system but he has only come face Toof face with a jury during his presidential bid for the White House.

Once before earlier this year a nine-person jury heard a civil defamation case brought against Trump by the writer egene Carol who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s and then defaming her when she went public with her allegations in 2019 there Trump personally analyzed the potential jurors.

Often craning his neck and turning around as they answered questions he never attended the first trial where a jury found him liable for sexual assault and defamation of Carol some jurors the second time around in the trial to determine damages against Trump appeared visibly shocked when they entered the room only to see the former president of.

The United States seated there after days of witnessing Trump's behavior in court in including storming out of the courtroom that jury of seven men and two women found Trump liable for defamation and ordered him to pay $83 million in Damages we will immediately appeal we will set aside that ridiculous jury now Trump is repeating that process again.

But these jurors will be charged with deciding a criminal case if convicted he could face a maximum of four years in jail for each of the 34 counts thanks than again to our investigative correspondent Olivia Rubin there joining us now senior reporter kathern falers executive editorial producer John sanui our Elizabeth.

Schully here in Washington J O'Brien's up on the hill and then former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons joins us once again so Katherine what's happened so far in the courtroom so so far Kira this morning and early this afternoon has been a lot of procedural hurdles that they have to get through here so look there have been some wins for Donald.

Trump some not wins for Donald Trump the judge said that he will allow prosecutors to introduce evidence about the Trump campaigns interactions with the national inquire for example and Trump's alleged Affairs uh with former Playboy model Karen McDougall the judge did say that he will not allow prosecutors to play that Infamous Access.

Hollywood tape uh to play video or audio of it they can use uh Trump's words though at trial so that's what the morning has been like up until now they were having a brief break uh prosecutors uh with the DA's Office of course I've also asked the judge permission uh to seek to hold former president Trump in contempt for alleged violations of the.

Judge's order against attacking Witnesses they have uh said specifically there are three social media uh posts here um the order would seek a $1,000 fine for each one of those so we're waiting to see what the judge says about that but it's very clear that the judge now wants to move into jury selection so when they come back from lunch it will.

Go into jur selection of course that's what we've been waiting for all day that process will start soon Kira so Chris what what do you make of these rulings and how do you think they could impact the case overall well I mean I think here the judge is just ready to get going um I mean you know the the latest rulings.

Anyway tell him look we're we're here we've wasted half a day on some of these procedural matters you know many of them important many of them he was just irritated uh that had been brought before him but he's ready to go he's ready to get moving on this particular case he wants to you know talk to the first 500 jurors Kira I which it's just.

Unimaginable how many people that are there for that jury selection the biggest I've ever seen is 250 and that was over the course of a week um you know but he's got 500 people there they're waiting to get into the courtroom he wants to get started with jury selection so John just before the lunch.

Break prosecutors said they intended to seek to hold Trump in contempt for three posts on a social media site they say they violate he violated the gag order really no surprise there he's done that in the past what post are they referring to well Katherine just touched on this a couple minutes ago Kira I mean these are posts that Donald Trump made right after.

That gag order was imposed by judge Muran uh and what they were they focused on attacks Donald Trump made on several witnesses including Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen and again sometimes you know it's always about Donald Trump's words and rhetoric out in the campaign Trail but it is at times his posting on social media that can cause him.

Headaches later on and clearly that's exactly what has happened here prosecutors want a $1,000 fine for each of those now we don't know what the judge is going to do he said he would take that under advisement while they was heading into the lunch break so do they come and address that now or does he you know deal with it at some point.

Down the road because as we've all been noting he wants to move ahead to jury selection saying there are 500 jurors that are waiting today cuz remember if they don't get to that today those jurors get a free pass because they showed up it actually moves down the list to the next Trove of jurors and already this is going to be a very.

Difficult and complicated case to seat a jury of 12 jurors and six alternates so any day any group of people is missed really does complicate things and frankly adds to a little bit of a delay here potentially all right and Elizabeth the trial could you know take Donald Trump largely off the campaign uh Trail for up.

To eight weeks uh but doesn't seem to have impacted his race for the White House so far it seems like every time he does have a trial or a hearing it just uh pushes his poll numbers even higher well and Care we've talked so much about how these trials overall not just this but the four criminal indictments that the former president is facing have.

Helped boost his support am at least some of his supporters but the fact is that this has become so entwined in his political strategy already we are seeing the former president send out fundraising emails based on the proceedings that have happened here today but it does undoubtedly complicate at the very least the scheduling of his.

Campaign if he's going to be sitting in a courthouse for four days a week and his lawyers have made very clear today Kira that he wants to be personally involved in a lot of what's going on in this trial that that means he won't be out on the campaign Trail in those days now could he go out on the weekends he's as John pointed out does a lot of his.

Campaigning through social media but this does set up a clear contrast with how he will actually be able to get out on the trail and win and that's something that the White House while they are not commenting on this trial at all President Biden himself will be hitting the trail this week he's going to spend most of his week in.

Battleground Pennsylvania Kira so Jay what are the former president's allies on the hill saying today well it's interesting as you noted to Elizabeth every time the former president has one of these proceedings in court it helps his campaign and every time he goes to court to Republicans on places like Capitol Hill rally around him some of.

Them are what we've come to call The Usual Suspects the margerie Taylor greens of the world Matt Gates Troy Nells who tweeted today as they often tweet that they feel that these charges are political that the former president is being victimized but we've also seen the upper echelons of Republican leadership on Capitol Hill get behind.

Trump speaker Johnson had that press conference with Trump last week he has been a staunch Ally of the former presidents Mitch McConnell as you and I were talking about earlier who previously was no friend to Donald Trump particularly after January 6th has endorsed him now and so one of the things we're watching for here on.

Capitol Hill is as the former president's legal calendar plays out and merges with the campaign what does that do to the overall political Dynamic on Capitol Hill where these Republicans are so used to and so frankly ready to come out every day and defend him as we've seen them do over the last few months all right Katherine Chris John.

Elizabeth and Jay thank you so much we will track this of course as we take you now to the White House for National Security Council coordinator uh John Kirby is taking questions and briefing the Press let's listen in or drones President Biden instructed the United States to defend Israel to the maximum extent possible and defeat that attack.

And we did with the support of our partners the United States enabled Israel to spectacular spectacularly defeat it despite launching more than those 300 weapons from Iran in the region Israel and a coalition of Partners were able to defeat 99% of the.

Attacks there is virtually no infrastructure damage to Israel but their attack requires an unequivocal condemnation from the International Community and so as Karen said the president convened the G7 yesterday and they have forcefully condemned that attack and urg for calm and deescalation and I'd like to take just a.

Few minutes to correct the record on uh a few points that have come out in the last uh several hours I've seen reporting that the Iranians meant to fail that this spectacular and embarrassing failure was all by Design I've also seen uh iron say that they provided early warning to help Israel prepare its defenses and limit.

Any potential damage all of this is categorically false to coin the phrase from the president or Ste a phrase from the president it's Malarkey this attack failed because it was defeated by Israel by the United States and by a coalition of other partners committed to Israel's defense so let's be straight given the scale of.

This attack Iran's intent was clearly to cause significant destruction and casualties Iranian leaders launched so many missiles and other Munitions because they knew that many were going to be defeated but the aim was to get as many of them through Israeli Israel's defenses as possible now I've also seen this speculation about messages passed.

Forth and warnings we did receive me messages from Iran and they received messages from us too but there was never any message to us or to anyone else on the time frame the targets or the type of response in fact before yesterday it was presumed that 100 IC missiles might overwhelm even the best defensive systems that was Iran's intent and as.

You all saw for yourself it didn't work this t attack Was Defeated thanks to our preparations to a coalition of committed partners and to Israel's remarkable defensive systems and I want to focus on that last point for just a moment Israel today is in a far stronger strategic position than it was only a few days ago Iran's vaunted missile program something.

It is used to threaten Israel in the region proved to be far less effective Israel's defenses on the other hand proved even better than many had long assumed Israel's defense was strengthened by a coalition of countries led by the United States and working together the United States has never before so extensively and so directly.

Defended Israel from Attack to ensure that that continues to be the case the House of Representatives must urgently pass the National Security Supplemental which has already passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support court that supplemental includes funding that the president requested for the Iron Dome and David sling systems systems.

That saved countless lives this weekend and have saved many lives from Hamas and from Hezbollah Rockets over the past 6 months passing that bill is the fastest and surest way to get Israel the aid it needs and we must act urgently to replenish Israel's air defenses just as Congress must act urgently to replenish replenish Ukraine's air defenses which.

Also continue to be attacked every single day with the same Iranian Iranian made drones now finally much of the world today is standing with Israel when the president spoke to the G7 leaders yesterday they were unified in their condemnation of Iran and their determination to hold Iran accountable at the president's Direction our teams.

Are now following up with G7 capitals on new multilateral sanctions to Target Iran's missile and other nefarious programs G7 countries that had yet to designate the irgc a terrorist organization are now considering doing so and going forward we will will be working to further isolate Iran internationally and increase economic.

And other forms of pressure so that's the upshot here a stronger Israel a weaker Iran a more unified Alliance of partners that was not Iran's intent when it launched this attack on Saturday night not even close and again they failed they failed utterly now as you also know President Biden is welcoming both the Iraqi prime minister and the.

Prime Minister Peter fiala of the Czech Republic to the White House president and prime minister Al Sudani from Iraq will discuss the US and Iraq's shared vision for our broad multifaceted relationship during the meeting that these leaders will be reaffirm their commitment to advancing Regional stability to expanding opportunities for.

Iraq's people and reinforcing Iraq's sovereignty security and stability the Iraqi prime minister will be here for almost a week and in that time he will meet a range of administration officials including both secretary blinkin at the state department and secretary Austin at the defense department he will have opportunity to share his priorities and.

Vision for Iraq with a variety of audien here in Washington and in other parts of the United States now of course president will be taking the opportunity to discuss how we will continue to work with prime minister Sudani to diffuse Regional tensions and to prevent Iraq from being drawn into conflict Iraq president firmly believes is Central to.

The Region's stability and then later as Karim previewed he'll have a chance to meet with uh president I'm sorry prime minister fiala to celebrate the 25th anniversary uh of the the Czech Republic as a NATO Ally over the past 25 years our alliance has grown stronger and the relationship between our two countries have grown even closer as we've deepen.

Defense cooperation including through the Czech Republic's purchase of 24 F-35 Fighters earlier this year president will congratulate the Prime Minister on legislation that czechia recently passed requiring it to spend at least 2% of its GDP on defense which as you know is the natal goal lead the leaders will also discuss their strong support for Ukraine.

And the president will thank prime minister for leading an effort to help secure nearly 1 million rounds of ammunition for Ukraine and one more thing if you'll just bear with me I'm almost done today marks the one-year conflict in Sudan since fighting erupted a year ago civilians have been forced to Bear the brunt of this senseless.

Conflict thousands have been killed and wounded women and girls have been kidnapped and assaulted hundreds of thousands of families have been displaced communities and livelihoods have been utterly destroyed and famine now is threatening to take hold that's why the United States continues to commit resources to create conditions.

For a potential peace process to hold accountable actors who are seeking to sew more violence and to assure that humanitarian assistance reaches the civilians who urgently need it we reiterate our calls for all parties in this conflict to lay down their weapons and put an end to this intolerable violence for the future of Sudan but.

Most of all for the future of the sudanes people thank you appreciate your patience um Israel's milit who just said quote there will be a response to to be attacked in Iran so does the US have any indication of what those next steps are from Israel we would let the Israelis speak to that does the US expect to be consulted and advance of them taking it.

In steps uh I I won't get into our diplomatic uh conversations or expectations uh the Israeli government uh will determine for themselves uh if there's going to be a response and what that response is going to look like and are you able to discuss um the specific roles played by other members of the regional Coalition from over the weekend.

Specifically Jordan and Saudi Arabia whether they helped shoot down missiles or what other actions they may have done no I think we'll let uh other members of the Coalition speak for themselves um John Israel is reportedly looking at options that would send a message to Iran but not cause casualties is the administration presenting.

Alternatives to Nya this is uh these this is an Israeli decision to make um whether and how they'll respond uh to what Iran did on Saturday and we're going to leave it squarely with them their decision to make but are you making suggestions we are not involved in their decision-making process about a potential response and just uh is the.

President does he have any plans to speak to Netanyahu again I I don't have anything on the calendar to speak to but look I mean they they've spoken frequently over the last six months they will absolutely speak again at the appropriate time thank you Karine um John just one day before the attack President Biden issued a warning to Iran.

Don't and now the US is not taking any part in an Israeli rep fisal so does that signal to Iran that it can defy the US without facing any consequences I don't know man if I'm sitting in tyon and I'm taking a look at what just happened on Saturday night I don't think I'd be betting that the United States is uh not willing to get engaged here and.

Help defend Israel I mean you had American fighter pilots in the air in combat operations shooting down drones and missiles that were heading towards uh towards Israel as well as US Navy destroyers at Sea knocking them down from there so so the message should be very clear to anybody when the President says we're going to take our commitments.

To the region seriously when we're going to help Israel defend itself we got skin in the game and we Prov that I understand what you're saying about deterrence but what about consequences as I just said and Karine also LED in he he had a conversation with G7 leaders he'll be engaging with other allies and partners uh we have achieve we have seen.

Swift condemnations about what Iran did from the International Community and we're going to be working with International Partners to to to uh to to work up options to hold Iran appropriately accountable and then just uh on the logistics of this with roughly 300 drones and missiles shot down can you talk about how you will assess the.

Debris fields and the Shel and how much that um impacted people on the ground we're not going to be doing any kind of an assessment uh of uh the impact on the ground the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli officials have already been out and about looking at the impact on the ground around there were very few missiles that got through and the only.

Damage that was done it was very minor damage to one air base in in Israel um that did not even put that air base out of commission the Israelis have already spoken to this I believe they've already released imagery of some of the things they found on the ground sadly a young girl an innocent civilian less than 10 years old was severely wounded that was.

The only Casualty that we're aware of thank you John thank you uh John a couple of questions on and then on Iraq on the Prime Minister visit you just said that the White House were not informed of the timing of the Iranian attack on Israel but the president told us that he the attack is going to be sooner than later and almost a day after.

The attack happened so just can you explain this one I never said we didn't have an idea I never said we didn't have uh information that uh that uh that we could uh that we could act on and speak to our Israeli counterparts about what I said was Iran never delivered a message giving us the time and the targets exact no no no no no no no timing I mean I.

Want to be clear this whole narrative out there that Iran passed us a message with what they were going to do is ridiculous do you believe that Iranian nuclear s is a legitimate Target here I'm not going to get into targeting discussions here from the podium okay let me ask you about the prime minister is the White House satisfied with the.

Way that the Iraqi government is reing in the militias in Iraq considering and they are one of the fpes of the Iranian regime we're going to we're going to have a in-depth discussion with the Prime Minister and his team about uh the uh continued activities of militia groups uh in Iraq um and uh and will reinforce um our views about how.

Seriously we take the force protection of our our troops and our facilities there and we'll also expect I fully expect that uh that uh we'll talk with the Prime Minister about U the counter Isis mission in in in Iraq and its and its potential future and finally just when he said in the spirit of partnership uh we disagree with the.

United States and he mentioned something like we need a new system for international law to respect international law internationally humanitarian law protection of civilians and diplomatic missions so he's hinting at the Israeli attack in Damascus he's also hinting about not doing enough to respect international law is this a.

Point of this agreement between you and the Iraqi government you'll have to talk to the Prime Minister about what he meant by those comments uh Iraq is a key partner one we really value we wouldn't be having this meeting today he wouldn't be having meetings this week if it wasn't an important relationship as I said president believe believes that.

Iraq is critical to Regional stability good thanks green thanks Admiral um you said just now that um well as many times as reporters can ask John Kirby the question he continues to say the same thing and that is we don't have any indication that Israel has made any type of decision on if they will respond to Iran or know what they might do and we.

Are not getting involved period even reporters following up saying okay well are you maybe suggesting Alternatives or ways to go at this again John Kirby saying we are out completely of this situation so is it going to stay that way good question let's bring in our White House correspondent Selena Wang also former assistant secretary defense.

For the Middle East Mick mroy um Selena let's start with you I mean we're not getting anything new as hard as reporters will press for questions but John Kirby is standing pretty strong in that he's has no idea what Israel is about to do and that the us is going to actually in every sense of the word not going to be a part of it whatever it is.

Yeah K Kirby there is dodging a lot of those questions and what you can see him doing he's just trying to underscore that the US is not getting involved in their decision-making process and that it's up to Israel how they want to resp respond he's also there trying to underscore and clarify that Iran didn't give the US city heads up about what the.

Targets were what exactly they were going to do he wanted to stress he said that Iran's attempt was clearly to cause significant disruption and casualties the reason why he says they launched so many Munitions is because they were hoping that as many of them as possible would get through Israel's defenses and again he's highlighting what we've.

Already heard from the president touting the capabilities of Israel in combination with the Us and other partners to defeat almost all of those Munitions coming through into Israel now but we do know Kira though Kirby didn't say this on the podium we know that during their phone call the president urged Netanyahu to take things slow he.

Urged restraint for him to think very strategically and carefully about the next steps because of course the US wants to avoid any escalation wants to avoid this from spiraling into a wider War so M clearly Israel will strike Iran we just don't really know exactly how that's going going to happen and John Kirby saying and however it does play.

Out the US will not get involved but what happened if a strike does happen and people are killed inside of Iran that this ends up being a a a huge escalation in the conflict will the US still stay on the sidelines so car I think what what adal Kirby's doing here is uh they certainly we the United States government want to.

Know when when Israel makes the decision and what they're going to do to prepare but we don't want to look like we participated in it because we're not going to be involved in the actual offensive action and I think that's where he's really trying to draw the line I think uh contrary to what people thought Iran might have done I think he.

Just shot that down uh literally pardon the pun uh they may uh basically uh send a message of where they're striking to be able to remove individuals from those facilities and that might be a way to mitigate whether this escalates substantially all right Selena Wang MC mroy thank you both so much appreciate it we're going.

To take a quick break we right back we got a lot of news on the other side this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee centers intin Russia on the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 storm along I Boston is in the bull let's go ABC News.

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In the morning there's a lot going on get another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between.

How does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live good afternoon everyone I'm Kira Phillips let's get right to our top.

Story the people of the state of New York versus Donald J Trump the first ever criminal trial of a former president of the United States right now court is back in session after the judge ordered a short break for lunch former president Trump is present in that courtroom as attorneys began jury selection in this hush money case.

Against them the culmination of a year-long indictment by the Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying documents to hide payments that he made to porn star stormmy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged Affair prior to his 2016 presidential campaign Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Claiming the case is just election interference as he continues to campaign for a second run at the White House the judge has imposed a limited gag order keeping Trump from making comments about people directly and indirectly involved in the case but prosecutors are now seeking to hold Trump in contempt for allegedly violating that gag order on.

Social media we have full team coverage of this historic New York criminal trial joining me once again investigative correspondent Olivia Rubin also executive editorial producer John santui Elizabeth schully here in Washington with us former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons also a part of the conversation so Olivia Donald Trump he is under this.

Partial gag order in this case prosecutors are now seeking to have him held in contempt what did he put out there on social media well prosecutors are pointing to just three posts that they say were in violation of the order which says that Donald Trump cannot talk about potential Witnesses in the case and they have.

Pointed to post where they say he is attacking two potential Witnesses specifically that is stormmy Daniels and Michael Cohen who are at the center of this case and just as Court got underway after that lunch break the judge has now set a hearing on this issue for next Wednesday so remember court is not supposed to be in session on Wednesdays.

But it leaves Wednesday open for any other business the court may have so he has set an afternoon hearing next Wednesday on the contempt issue and Trump's team has until the end of the week to file their own paperwork but K I would just point out look at the time we are at 2:00 now and so far they have dealt with evidence issues they have.

Dealt with contempt they have dealt with almost everything except jury selection which they still have not gotten to and the day is ending supposedly today at 4:30 so a question is going to be when are they going to get jury selection started which is why everyone is here today all right Chris well let's talk about uh prosecutors what they need to.

Show in order for Trump to be held in contempt here and what consequences could he face I mean this is a little Deja Vu I think we've been in this position before we have Kira um you know the former president as John Cuchi could tell you is is not at all afraid uh to give his opinion on things even when a.

Court says that he shouldn't um so you know that what they're going to be looking at is did he disobey a direct order of the court if he did then it's a misdemeanor contempt action and it could be handled a lot of different ways could be handled either through a fine of some sort it could be handled possibly through jail time although that would be.

A logistical nightmare uh thinking about what they'd have to go through to be able to hold the former president in custody while he served out his contempt sentence yeah indeed and Elizabeth you know Trump continues to argue that the partial gag order limits his political speech so let's just talk about how that could or could not play into his.

Campaign messaging here well so far Kira the former president has used every legal case against him to try to bolster his political case we've seen him completely intertwine his campaign for reelection and his legal wos and that's going to continue to be the case we already see him today Kira trying to fund raise off of The Limited.

Proceedings that have happened so far his lawyers have also made clear that he wants to be very involved attending these these proceedings in person which complicates his schedule for his political campaign if he's sitting in a courthouse in Manhattan four days a week that only leaves a couple days where he can get out on the campaign Trail on the.

Weekends but the former president's using social media instead to try to get his message out I do think the thing that we really want to look at here Karen we've talked a lot about how so far that has really bolstered support among a lot of trump supporters but if you look at a recent Reuters ipsos poll it did find that.

133% of trump supporters said that if he is convicted of a crime they would not vote for him so the question becomes if this is really the only trial that does proceed before the election does that put into question some of the support if there is a conviction does that change uh how those supporters feel interesting all right we won't know until indeed.

That time comes and John you think this case is more about the payment or more about the motivation to you know of the hush money well it's totally about the motivation right because listen at the end of the day the motivation was Donald Trump did not want the allegations from Stormy Daniels to come out and impact the 2016 election so that's at the core.

Of it right and that's why we're going to not though they're not part of the criminal charges we are are going to hear other examples of Donald Trump and David pcker catching and killing damaging stories that could impact Donald Trump leading up to the 2016 election but the real thing here at the end of the day this is a case when you.

Really boil down and take all the noise and the witnesses away comes down to paperwork right it's 34 criminal felony counts of falsifying documents so that's what we're going to be talking about here the way that Donald Trump concealed those payments to Michael Cohen after the 2016 election how they were labeled as legal fees which they clearly weren't.

They were payment back to Cohen for catching and killing stormy Daniel's story hoping it would all go away but look nearly what eight years later here we are it hasn't gone away if anything it's made Donald Trump's life far more complicated yep and Olivia jury selection uh underway Donald Trump has filed yet another motion to delay this.

Trial so what's the new argument and could we hear a decision soon probably well we don't know because it's filed under seal but what we do know is that Donald Trump has been trying essentially everything he can to push out this trial even though now he is sitting in the room for jury selection set to begin any minute so think back to just last week.

There were three attempts by Donald Trump denied to push off the case to challenge the gag order so nothing is really working but it's a a tactic that we have seen from Donald Trump before essentially throwing everything at the wall and seeing seeing what sticks so I think there is sort of a sense among Donald Trump's team at least from.

Speaking to One Source that maybe they still have a little bit of time to buy themselves to hopefully get something to stick so it's kind of contrary to popular belief think about it he's in there jury selection is going to start but there has not been a jury seated yet so is there still some time that he could hopefully throw something at the.

Wall and have it stick that apparently is the Hope here but we do not know this latest effort yet all right Olivia John elizth Chris thank you all so much we'll be checking in with you of course a little later meanwhile more Fallout from Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel for the second day in a row now Israel prime minister and his War cabinet are.

Meeting to discuss their response to Saturday's attack the US is making it clear to Israel that if it does indeed attack Iran it will do so alone but Biden just a short time ago reaffirming his support for Israel and adding together with our partners we defeated that attack both countries confirming that Iran's strikes well they pretty.

Much were a failure at least half of them failed before even reaching their targets while almost all of them were intercepted and shot down we have live team coverage on this our other top story our White House correspondent Selena Wang is in Washington also Pentagon reporter Louis Martinez also our WABC reporter Josh ining is in.

Jerusalem and also our contributor and former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East Mick mroy Josh let's start with you do we know anything uh with regard to this ongoing cabinet meeting with Netanyahu and uh his his uh forces forces what we know Kira is that there's a big debate going on among the.

War cabinet there are certain right-wing members of Benjamin netanyahu's governing Coalition who want to send a very strong message to Iran and want to hit them hard there are other people both on that war cabinet and I would also add around the world in particular in Washington who are who are trying very hard uh to get uh Netanyahu to you.

Know take his finger off the button so to speak and try to hold off remember this was a reaction to a reaction the Biden Administration is very concerned about a further uh escalation here and actually you could see it in the rhetoric you'll hear all day today from John Kirby with the National Security Council from the White House from the.

Pentagon talking about how successful this was on Saturday night how brilliantly they fended off the attack from Iran and how Israel really has a just a worldclass defense strategy that all may be true but the fact that they're harping on it so much really does seem like they're trying to pump up Netanyahu and make him feel like you.

Know he already won and he does not have to fight back against Iran the huge imperative to try to prevent a further escalation in this region Kira so Selena the president reaffirmed his support for Israel today but of course officials are saying that the US uh will not help Israel uh in any way if it chooses to re retaliate yeah and Kier I think this is.

A message that was just being discussed with you earlier is that President Biden is telegraphing to Netanyahu in the phone call to take the win that you've already proved to the world that Israel's military is superior to irans so from here the president's message is take it slow think very carefully and deliberately about your next steps and.

How that could lead to escalation now we do know that the president did also convene a meeting with the G7 leaders and we did just hear Kirby on the podium saying that they are considering sanctions against Iran's missile program this attack from Iran has shifted the focus a bit away from all the harsh criticism we've seen from world leaders.

On Israel's military campaign in Gaza remember it was just a couple weeks ago where the president had threatened to change you his policy if Netanyahu didn't do more to protect civilians in Gaza so the relationship between those two it is Frosty and the question now is just how much of his of the president's advice is Netanyahu going to take is he.

Going to restrain his response here the US making very clear that if Israel strikes back they're going to do it alone so Louis JN Kirby reiterated that Iran's attack failed this weekend uh we saw that uh that's significant um because Iran is you know of course using this as propaganda to talk about that uh this was a big win for them holding.

Israel accountable but nothing got through Kira what this uh in inent this weekend showed is the technological advance that the United States have has along with Israel in air defense systems uh the Iranians have built up their ballistic missile program for decades um they have hundreds if not more than a thousand of these types of weapons that.

Can travel long distances in short amounts of time uh we understand that the flight time from these ballistic missiles from Iran uh towards Israel was about 12 to 13 minutes not a lot of time but enough time uh for air defenses to get working now in this scenario what we saw was Israel working in tandem with the United States as well as some other.

Countries like the United Kingdom and France as well as some Regional Partners presumably some of the Arab Nations there in the Middle East uh who were helping them and provided assistance and so what you had is this like an unofficial Coalition if you will that was assisting Israel in its air defenses that night so I think that is something.

That we need to take into consideration and it's obviously something that I think the Israelis want to make maintain and and I think that could be placed in Jeopardy should Israel attempt some kind of a military response to what we saw this weekend Mick what do you think about the exchange of intelligence um what Israel knew what the US knew uh.

Other partners knew ahead of this attack can you kind of dig into a little bit of that and and where exactly did that go and and did that help in anyway so Kira now that Admiral Kirby made it clear that there was no uh message sent from Iran regarding when this attack would take place it really does show how significant the.

Intelligence effort was in thwarting this attack and that intelligence likely of course came from the United States but also from many of these partners that Lou just reference the United States have been building this uh relationship up for many years and I think it showed thanks guys we want to take you.

Straight to Santa Fe New Mexico right now the news is breaking Hannah Gutierrez the armor on the set of the rust you see right there being sentenced after last month's uh finding of her guilty of involuntary manslaughter let's listen the courtroom gets cleared please do an order of remant to the dep transport order to the.

Department of Corrections and the judgment and sentence yes your order all right we are in recess allise what happened and you're looking at live pictures right now uh it happened so fast uh we got word that Hannah Gutierrez Reed was indeed receiving her sentencing it.

Literally took about less than 10 seconds as we look at these live pictures still inside the courtroom Hannah gutier is re uh the Russ film armorer who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter last month for the 2021 onset fatal shooting of cinematographer helina Hutchins uh just received her sentence from the judge in.

That New Mexico courtroom looks like 18 months in prison Brian you were paying close attention as well uh that happened pretty quickly also our MOA Lang is just outside the courthouse there in Santa Fe New Mexico Brian let's start with you I'm I'm somewhat shocked I'm shocked in the sense that this is a first arrest and hannnah Gutierrez Reed got the.

Maximum that a person can get for what's considered a fourth degree felony in New Mexico that being 18 months in prison now depending on how that prison sentence works out for her she couldn't be afforded what's called good time and so she might not serve the full 18 months it might be reduced based on the programs and her status in prison but.

Still that is a strong message when it comes to sentencing judges typically look at a number of things Rehabilitation punishment and deterrence I think when you look at an 18 month sentence the judge relied heavily on punishment and deterrence to make sure that henna Gutierrez got the message but also others in the film industry going.

Forward and she was responsible uh for the firearm safety and storage uh there on the set of of of rust um and she also became the first person to stand trial and be convicted in this case so now uh she stands as you said with the maximum sentence here 18 months in prison how do you see this impacting Alec Baldwin as we get ready uh for his case I think.

It's going to be a very W uh big and Scary wakeup call for Alec Baldwin because where many experts might say you know what lowle felony firsttime arrest you may get probation you may get somewhat of a slap on the wrist no if Hannah Gutierrez is doing 18 months in prison there becomes a much more likely reality that if Alec baldon is found.

Guilty he could be suffering from the same amount of jail time depending on how the facts play out because while Hannah Gutierrez Reed was ultimately the person responsible for the firearm on the set Alec Baldwin occupies both hats so to speak in the Russ movie Set he is both the actor who was given the gun but also the producer that is in charge of.

The production itself and we saw some pretty forceful video of Alec Baldin speaking to others and and I think as a prosecution will color it kind of contributing to this environment of chaos that led to underfunding people not doing their job properly and just as we saw Hannah Gutierrez read lie bullets all over the set.

So we're waiting for amola langi he's there inside the courtroom uh heard everything come down in real time there so we wait for him to get to the cameras um Brian let let's kind of backtrack a little bit one thing that I noticed throughout the whole Court proceedings even up to today if you look back to the day when Hannah gutiz um was active.

There on the set as the armorer um she had much quite a different look color her hair was different colors a lot of piercings you know she looked very uh rebellious even the pictures of her uh with firearms and then all throughout uh her trial she changed her completely changed her look she didn't even look like the same person um and and.

And in addition to that what else do you think she tried to do to portray an image or a message um that um she shouldn't receive the maximum sentence that that she is a different person now she realizes what has happened um how did that impact you think what happened today just her change in Attitude demeanor look.

Throughout the trial well as a defense attorney we often try to tell our clients that from the time you walk into a court at trial to the time that you walked up all eyes are on you and you want to make sure that you're putting your best foot forward um some of my clients again I'm a affable Public public defender so they don't all.

Typically come with with uh dress shirts and suits and whatnot and they don't know what to wear I often say you know what um wear your Sunday Best if if you if you're a person of Faith or or wear what you would wear uh to go on on a first date if you can have something nice clean cut and whatnot because you want to present as an individual that a.

Jury will look and say you know what this person is one of us this person is not someone that I would think is capable of committing a crime if my client is Hanah G Gutierrez Reed I would say I want you to look like my daughter my niece my sister someone that I can have compassion for when it comes down to not only the guilt or innocence but.

Also when the judge ultimately decides uh if you should be sentenced to the max or somewhat less than that and so that's why I think the appearance was as it was um we we all do it I I would give the example of uh I wear very nice suits when I'm here with you Kira but this is not what I wear in the day-to-day especially when I'm taking care of a.

2-year-old so you kind of dress for the occasion yeah it was interesting to watch and um I'm just looking back at what exactly uh Hanah Gutierrez had said uh throughout uh her trial Here and Now ending with with the sentencing that we have have just witnessed of of the maximum 18 months um looking back she did um.

Address uh the court saying your honor when I took on Rust I was young I was naive but I took my job as seriously as I knew how to despite not having proper time resources and Staffing I just did my best to handle it today I humbly ask you to consider probation I beg you please don't give me more time what did you make of what she had to say I.

Thought that was a great line of saying you understand I did wrong here uh but also to suggest that her actions didn't go far far surpass that of negligence and that's all Ely what this case was about it was that she didn't meet industry standards that she conducted herself in a way that made it a dangerous environment for other people.

Around and so I think she told that line very well of saying I understand the mistakes that I've done however These are My reasonings not necessarily excuses because you're still taking responsibility for that and I thought that would have softened uh the judge to some degree but ultimately while it is an involuntary manslaughter while she.

Did beat uh the tampering charges I think at some point also there were jail call videos and recordings of her kind of not really taking ownership uh after being convicted I think that all ultimately went to the judge's mindset of hey I'm going to give you what the prosecutors ask and that is being the max I don't necessarily agree with it.

But I'm not a New Mexico judge I would have bet that maybe not probation maybe 6 to 12 months in jail would have made sense but the judge said someone died and gave a very high uh jail sentence the maximum that she could hand down I mean bottom line there was a live bullet on the Brian and it was her job you know to check those guns to check to see if.

There were uh live bullets to make sure that the set was safe and if we learned one thing there never should have been a live bullet uh around any of those individuals so now the question is um has she been held accountable here in the eyes of even Helen hutson's family I I'd love to know what they are thinking uh about this sentencing uh no doubt.

Probably feel it should be a lot tougher considering what happened absolutely and I think that the only limitation if you're looking at this from the Helena hutchon uh family the only limitations is the charge itself because the prosecutor went after a charge that clearly they were capable of attaining if they went for a higher homicide.

Charge uh rather than inv voluntary manslaughter going up to manslaughter or rather than manslaughter trying to go for a lower level of murder I think they would have been unsuccessful there so I think the prosecution did the right move here of putting forth the strongest charge that they could succeed on and that's what they did um but the reality.

Is that I often tell people the justice system always falls short in terms of giving Justice 18 months of Hannah Gutierrez Reed's life all incarcerated is no exchange for that of the life of Helena Hutchins her jail time is not going to bring Hutchins back and so this I think is the closest that we can bring the uh family of the victim to Justice.

Here Brian stay with me prosecutors at the mic just outside the courthouse there let's listen in how much of a role do you think the jail phone calls played in this sentencing I can tell you that they they played a a a very big role in my recommendation I don't know uh how much of a role they played for the court what does this sentencing say about the.

Balron trial you know I I wouldn't want to comment on it the cases are very different uh I think that sentencing is something that's um to a certain degree individual uh so I I I wouldn't say that this is um uh anything reflective of what may happen in that case can you walk us back to the jail cause you said.

That they made a big decision and your recommendation that's what you spoke about when you first got up there when you heard those calls you mentioned 200 calls what went through your mind compassion fatigue um you know we uh we have the the state has uh has uh has approached this prosecution um from a standpoint of.

Compassion for Miss Gutierrez for her age for her lack of experience um and uh my compassion came to an end were you surprised the judge gave her the F the maximum sentence I was not do you have any reaction to her statement that you just spoke no I don't thank you I appreciate you guys thank.

You Brian hopefully we can get moli in front of that camera there that's our our crew that was able to get just a few comments made by prosecutors compassion fatigue uh let's expand on that yeah so never being a prosecutor myself uh my understanding is I well I do some civil rights work I understand being that close to a victim being that close to.

Someone who has lost an individual and wanting uh to do the best for them and there is compassion fatigue in the place of the prosecutor and when I think the comment was towards those jailhouse calls they saw a lack of compassion from Hannah Gutierrez Reed they saw that as their way of saying you know what she's not remorseful uh she is not.

Compassionate in the way that they want her to be and that's why they ultimately ask for the highest sentence and while we are not able um she being the the prosecutor asking for the highest amounts of sentence for Hannah gutier Reed um because of those jail housee calls that they got from from Gutierrez Reed uh The Compassion fatigue is they.

Are so intertwined with Helena Hutchins family looking for justice here that they it's it's a fatiguing exercise I say that often times defense attorneys and prosecutors live adjacent to trauma based on our clients and the victims they represent and that while it is not the same as being Helena hudon's uh family and it is a compassion fatigue I.

Think that's what they're commenting on but I think a lot of the elements here went towards that that that sentence of 18 months and it looks like Brian that Gloria alred uh is is somehow I don't know if she's representing uh Helena Hutchinson's family but she's about to read a statement on behalf of family members has she approached uh the mic.

Yet guys okay all right so so we're waiting to hear from her so I guess they'll there there were a lot of people there uh at the courthouse today Brian uh from all sides waiting to see exactly what was going to happen to Hannah Gutierrez Reed what happens uh now uh she's been sentenced so does she immediately uh go back to jail and then.

We we also were talking about how this how she may not serve 18 months let's talk about what could impact the length of her sentencing here and why she may be released uh early on good behavior or whatever it may be yeah so I kind of break that down so the next step for her is that she will be sent to a jail for processing or she might even go to a.

Prison that is an intermediary uh before you go to the next jail fingerprinting photos taken um taking her personal belongings and storing them while she does do her jail sentence and she may ultimately end up in a more permanent uh Penitentiary system for that 18 months now when it comes to what many attorneys will call good time credit or good time.

Serve it all depends on the calculations from that state I believe in New Mexico for every 30 days or every month of of of a sentence while you're not committing crimes while incarcerator you're not breaking any of new rules I think you get about four days so just imagine taking four days off of every one of those months for 18 Ma I'm an.

Attorney not a mathematician but I think that could shave off about 3 months or so I think she could ultimately do 15 of the 18 months depending how she does I know that some jails in some states also afford defendants or convicted felons as hna Gutierrez Reed is now the possibility of doing programs while incarcerated to also reduce your.

Sentence there as well if she gets out sufficiently earlier there could be a potential for parole uh on the back end of that sentence but that's ultimately up to her her behavior and how she conducts herself going forward so and as we wait to hear of course that statement on behalf of um Helen hutchins's family uh the cinematographers that was killed.

Because of that live round that it was in that gun that Alec Baldwin fired on the set of rust just um looking back uh with regard to Alec Baldwin's manslaughter trial that now uh is scheduled for July um I'm seeing here attorneys making the point that this is not a case where.

Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake U these are of course various attorneys speaking uh to Alec Baldwin's case now scheduled for July all right it looks like Gloria aled is is uh speaking now all right let's go ahead and take the statement she's reading on behalf of Helena Hutchinson's uh parents I.

Think fix all right Brian so we lost our camera there if it comes back we'll go ahead we'd love to hear of course what what what the parents have to say about this sentencing uh on behalf of of the Court there but just talking about Alec Baldwin um you know it's interesting how this case has unfolded thinking uh he.

Was in big trouble and then possibly in the clear and now back in trouble again and now we're seeing what happened with hna Gutierrez Reed and everything we've learned about her and now I'm told the camera is back on Gloria aled all right let's take a listen the maximum of 18 months and this is that this was a serious offender and a serious.

Offense was appropriate I do not think the other two options that the court suggested were possible options were options that should have been uh exercised by the court probation clearly inadequate and even just serving the remainder of 12 months essentially in.

Jail rather than prison would not have been appropriate I I do think the prosecution did an excellent job in proving their case Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and we're looking forward to the next case what do you think this means for this next case when you're looking at trying to get Justice for helina.

Hutchins and her family um what are you expecting from July now that you've seen this play out I'm expecting a jury that's going to give a fair trial not only to the defendant but also to Helena Hutchins may she rest in peace whatever happens it's not going to.

Bring Helena back but definitely as the family has said everyone who's responsible should have to face the consequences and be accountable do you believe Alec Baldwin was part of that Cascade of negligence that people talked about in the courtroom we support the prosecution of.

Alec W was there anything about Miss gutier Reed's statement that stood out to you considering we haven't heard from her until until today nothing about the statement that Hannah gutieres gave in court today changed the fact that she should have to pay the.

Ultimate price which is possible under the law of New Mexico and that's what she was ordered to do how would you describe the the judge's comments today I think the judge was very clear about the factual basis that supported her.

Conclusion that the most serious option should be the one that she handed down and I appreciated the fact that she explained why that was appropriate this is the same judge that's going to overing the proing it's going to be a different jury perhaps the same judge but there should still be a fair.

Trial and I know Mr bald's done everything he could to try to dismiss the case but at this point it appears that trial's going forward I might add that at this point still neither H neither hanuch cheras nor Mr waldwin has ever called Helena's.

Mother Olga to even say they were sorry for what happened and you could see from the video that we showed in court how devastating this has been to Olga and to Anatolia and to fana devastating does not begin to describe.

It there'll be more from the family in the future thank you I do have some still photos where okay and that's Gloria Al who's representing uh helina Hutchinson's family Helena Hutchins of course being the cinematographer that was killed by that live bullet on the set of rust you.

Are watching the uh sentencing that just took place for the armor Hannah Gutierrez Reed given the maximum sentence of 18 uh months in prison Alec Baldwin's manslaughter trial will now be scheduled for July Gloria already read there saying she of course would like to see that actor uh prosecuted as well you heard the questions about just a Cascade.

Of negligence that was laid out in the courtroom today even Hannah Gutierrez Reed coming forward and addressing the judge saying your honor when I took on Rust I was young and I was naive but I took my job as seriously as I knew how despite not having proper time resources and Staffing I just did the best to handle it uh Hannah gutter going on to.

Say today I humbly ask you to consider probation I beg you please don't give me more time you heard Gloria alred say that uh she was very pleased that Hannah Gutierrez did not reive probation mola Ling was there inside uh the courtroom when this was all going down I want to bring him up now along with our Brian buckmire who's been following this from.

The legal uh side of things I guess my first question mola to you is Gloria alred uh saying that Alec Baldwin neither Alec Baldwin nor Hannah Gutierrez ever called the family or or at least the mom of Helena Hutchins to apologize for what had happened or her death is is that true do we know well that's what Miss aled said.

Today and we heard a video statement from uh Helena Hutch's mother Olga who echoed that that those same thoughts and feelings saying that she had been waiting uh for anyone uh involved in her daughter's death to at some point during the last you know two years uh reach out uh and express some sort of Sorrow Express something to her and she says.

That her and her family had never heard anything from anyone involved so let me ask you this uh Brian now that we see uh Hannah Gutierrez not receiving probation she's going to jail she got the maximum sentence even though she didn't have any type of of previous record what do you think this could mean for Alec Baldwin I mean clearly there.

Were other people responsible for safety and protocol and procedures um along with Hannah Gutierrez Alec Baldwin I mean this was his movie he was the main actor yeah I'm kind of of two minds here one I think all right let's fast forward pass the the the the trial and say if Alec Baldwin is convicted I would if I was.

Him and his attorney I'd be worried about jail time because I can't see that a same judge gives Hannah Gutierrez Reed jail time and not Alec Baldwin however I'm skipping over a very important part and that's whether or not he's going to be convicted when you are the second codefendant to go forward on a trial and the first one is convicted you have a.

Very large opportunity to say hey you know what jurors state of New York you quote unquote got your pound of Flesh you got the person who was in charge of the gun you got the person who was negligent beyond belief and had live rounds all over the set while Alec Baldwin does occupy two roles one as actor and as producer as an actor as a.

Defense attorney I would think you know what he's safe I gave this example uh to to some of the people working here is like if I got on air and my mic didn't work yeah the mic's on my body but that's not my expertise that's the sound people that are supposed to be ensuring that's working appropriately and I think that's the Hannah Gutierrez Reed example.

However if I'm the producer of this show as well I better make sure that each and every element of the show is working as well and because Alec Baldwin wears two hats in that in that movie Set that's where I think he falls into a little bit of problem and he's got to have the appropriate answer as to while why someone working under him can be.

Negligent but not him as a producer of the movie well what was it like to be inside the court room any reaction color comments you want to add yeah it was interesting to see uh uh Hannah gutier emotional from the very start of today's sentencing that was a sort of emotion that we didn't see from her in the two weeks of of trial uh last.

Month uh really from the start uh needing tissues crying tearing up uh and we uh again heard that emotion uh come out in her uh when she ultimately addressed the judge saying that she wasn't a monster that uh you know that she was uh that she had been going through a lot and thinking about a lot and thinking about um uh Miss Hutchin.

And and and what had happened to her but again ultimately the judge saying that uh Miss gutier Miss Gutierrez was not remorseful enough that she ultimately did not express any sort of uh remorse or the kind of accountability that the judge needed to hear uh in in order to to to you know to to to to decrease uh the potential uh sentencing um and you.

Know we can't stress enough the uh the jail uh phone calls that that Gutierrez had made here in the last few weeks the judge had mentioned those the prosecution had mentioned those as having a significant impact on the way that the sentencing went down all right Mo langy for outside the courthouse there in Santa Fe New Mexico uh and also.

Our Brian buckmire appreciate you both thank you so much for bringing uh just the the latest on the breaking news as the sentencing uh came down in real time appreciate it turning now to the people of the state of New York versus Donald J Trump the first ever criminal trial of a former president of the United States.

Right now Trump is present in the courtroom in New York City as attorneys begin jury selection in the hush money case against them the culmination of a year-long indictment by Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying documents that he hid payments to pornstar Stormy Daniels just to keep her.

Quiet about that alleged Affair that they had prior to his 2016 presidential run Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges claiming that the case is just election interference as he continues to campaign for a second run at the White House the judge has imposed a limited gag order keeping Trump from making comments about people directly and.

Indirectly involved with the case but prosecutors are now seeking to hold Trump in contempt for allegedly violating that gag order on social media we have full team coverage of this historic New York criminal trial let's bring in our senior reporter cther falers also our Elizabeth schy and Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons well I.

Don't know if there's any allegedly out there I mean he put posts out on social media Chris yeah I I I don't think there's much he can say about um what what's going on as far as that I mean I guess maybe he could throw his social media director under the bus uh but at the end of the day it's going to be difficult I.

Think the bigger issue with regard to the contempt is what exactly is the judge going to do with these contempt charges I mean so if you finds him guilty of contempt then he's got to figure out well do I find him or do I try to figure out what to do with the former president of the United States as far as confining him in other words.

Putting him in jail there's you know sometimes a jail cell behind uh the courtroom where he could hang out with his super is the secret service agent um but you know and he could even in some cases put him in Riker's Island which would be a complete uh problem for all involved I think you saw here in Georgia where the former president turned.

Himself into the fton county jail and an active jail ground itself to a complete halt while we waited for that to happen so I don't know it's a a probably a fine if anything we'll see but I I guess the deal is the judge is not going to take it up until Wednesday did I just hear you say Chris that we could see possibly Donald Trump Trump in Riker's.

Island if he gets a long enough sentence sure uh you know but I I I that's a nightmare scenario for all involved I can't imagine anybody involved in Riker's Island wants the former president there uh you know let alone that so probably if they're looking at any jail time it's something he'd have to serve in the courthouse itself which.

Would be a way more secure facility um so I mean Rikers is always a threat it's a threat for you or me or anyone else who's found a contempt in the state of New York courtroom but not a realistic threat for Donald Trump but again I mean it's in the realm of possibilities Never Say Never yeah especially when it comes to Donald Trump so Catherine 96 perspect.

Perspective jurors now sworn in 96 perspective jurors sworn in at the end of the day there needs to be 12 jurors and then six alternates so this could take at the very least a week but Chris was speaking to this earlier there's 500 jurors that the judge said are there right now waiting to go through jury selection we know what will happen.

During this process is the judge will read jurors a summary of the charges of the case for example the judge will tell the jurors that the case centers on allegations Trump engaged with others in a scheme to unlawfully influence the 2016 election the judge will then excuse jurors that he determines can't be fair or impartial or if they have a conflict.

They're not able to sit on a jury for example for six to 8 weeks they also the jurors Kira will be asked to answer 42 questions about themselves their potential thoughts on the case it's important to point out that these jurors are sitting in the same room as former president Trump their identities will remain secret their names obviously.

Trump and his defense will have access to their names but he's not allowed obviously to make them public in any way but right now he's sitting in the room with these jurors as they're asked questions they'll be asked questions by the judge the lawyers are also allowed to ask follow-ups so at the very least this could take a week could be who.

Knows Kira two or three all right stand by we're watching uh every single second of what happens today Elizabeth Katherine Chris thank you so much we'll keep checking back with you straight ahead world leaders encouraging Israel not to retaliate after Iran's unprecedented attack we've got the latest on a potential response.

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Number one streaming news first thing in the morning there's a lot going on got another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with.

Some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live here was a story where's Kate what's going on with Kate of course the mystery of a missing woman an a royal.

Doesn't get more fascinating than that then the moment that silenced everyone it's been a really difficult time I would argue that the royal family were already facing a crisis this Health crisis has given them probably their biggest challenge the crown in crisis what is the relationship like between Harry and William today now streaming on.

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Ready to smile and put the good into your Morning America because you know what will make the morning better a little ray of sunshine glad you're streaming with us more Fallout now from Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel for the second day in a row israeli's prime minister met to.

Discuss its response to Saturday's attack H making no announcement yet but the country's military Chief did say just a short time ago that Israel will indeed respond world leaders are urging Israel not to retaliate including the US making it clear that if it attacks Iran it will do so alone President Biden still reaffirming his overall support.

For Israel though adding together with our partners we defeated that attack at least half of those strikes failing before even reaching their targets while almost all of them were intercepted and shot down we continue to have live team coverage with our Josh singer who's there in Jerusalem also our senior White House correspondent Selena Wang joining.

Us outside the White House so Josh to you now are we learning anything more about Israel's potential response and and if everyone is still active in that cabinet meeting yeah so they've been meeting all day all afternoon into the night Kira and I will tell you to the point that you just made about the uh Army Chief.

Who made that statement the actual statement that he made he said as we weigh our steps with the launch of so many missiles cruise missiles uavs to the territory of the state of Israel will be met with a response but it's intentionally vague and the response really could be anything you have right-wing members of the Netanyahu Co.

Coalition saying that he needs to be able to maintain deterrence against Iran it needs to be a forceful response with Kinetic weapons you have others who say that perhaps he should revert to the shadow war that Israel and Iran have been waging for years a war of assassinations covert assassinations and and it hacks and uh hacking of nuclear.

Systems so it's really unclear what they intend to do life in Israel today was back to normal they allowed schools to resume and large gatherings to resume the beaches were busy on in Tel Aviv today uh people were in the grocery store so uh Israel hasn't telegraphed that it's doing anything anytime soon remember just before the attack from.

Iran when the intelligence showed that it was imminent uh they did clamp down on all of those things so uh it's it's not clear that anything's happening imminently and uh and it's very very hard to know exactly what's going on in those War cabinet meetings right now except they say they will somehow respond Kira Selena the president.

Reaffirming his for Israel today but still saying uh the US is not going to help Israel if it chooses to retaliate yeah kir the president is trying to walk a fine line here he's been repeating that he does respect Israel's right to defend itself and the US clearly played a role in trying to fend off that onslaught of Iranian.

Attacks however he made very clear to the Prime Minister that if Israel retaliates the US is not going to help it will do so alone and up on the podium right there Admiral Kirby he was trying to put some some distance between the Israeli decision-making process and what the president has been urging he was saying that it is up to Israel to decide.

How to respond but we know that in a phone call Biden told Netanyahu essentially to take the win that he's already proved to the world that Israel's military is superior he wants Netanyahu now to take it slow to think very carefully and deliberately about his next steps the president ever since October 7th he's been focused on trying.

To contain this conflict and make sure that it doesn't spiral into a wider War so even though it appears that Israel is going to respond in some way the big question is how does Netanyahu taken the president's advice all right Selena and President Biden did speak with Congressional leaders as well about this Aid to Israel.

What more do we know about that and the impact that it could have on this U now I guess two fronts Israel is fighting yeah Kira well what we saw over the weekend from Iran is certainly renewed calls in Congress renewed efforts from the White House to get that National Security Supplemental passed so we know that was the topic of discussion between.

The president and those big four Congressional leaders but speaker Johnson he hasn't made clear what his plan is moving forward there is growing bipartisan pressure to get that National Security Supplemental passed it already passed in the Senate earlier this year it's been stalled in the house Speaker Johnson said he wants to find some way.

To move forward on Israel aid but it's unclear if that's going to include Ukraine because he's facing pressure from hard right conservatives in the house to not include any additional Aid to Ukraine so big questions here but the White House for months they've been urging to get that Aid through and up on the podium there Kirby making clear that.

Passing Aid to Israel is critical to maintain those defense systems that over the weekend were so critical to protecting Israel Selena Josh thank you both so much and the clock is ticking have you filed your tax returns better get that postmark or press send online business course respond Alexis christopherus does.

Though have a few last minute tips where's your watch taing your wrist it's actually my phone but you get it that's the universal sign so you're right you have until midnight tonight just a few hours left to file your taxes and avoid getting hit with those penalties and interest but it is not too late my friends to save on.

Your tax bill you want to be sure you're taking all of the credits you qualify for so if you have kids you may be eligible for a $2,000 tax credit per qualifying child depending on your income and filing status now not to be confused with the child tax credit is a Child Independent care tax credit if you paid expenses say for daycare preschool.

Maybe another form of caregiving for a spouse or a parent who's unable to care for themselves you may qualify for this credit it starts at $33,000 and if you paid qualified education expenses like for college for an eligible student you might be able to claim a credit there of up to $2500 with What's called the American opportun Unity tax credit if.

You bought an electric vehicle last year you want to check and see if it's on the list of EVS that qualify for a credit of up to $7,500 and you have until midnight to make a tax-friendly contribution to your traditional IRA the max there $6500 7500 if you are 50 or over and if you know you're going to need more time to file.

Just go to irs.gov and request an extension which will give you an additional six months to submit your taxes you'll have until October 15th but remember an extension to file is not an extension to pay so if you owe money you still need to make that payment by midnight use your previous year's taxes to help estimate what you owe and if you.

Cannot pay the entire amount right now just go to irs.gov set up a payment plan the IRS says if you file electronically and enroll in direct deposit you should get that refund within 21 days of filing four weeks if you file by mail this year the average refund about $3,000 please use some of it to pay down debt.

Kira very good advice thank you Alexis coming up the latest on the investigation into the two missing Kansas moms what we're getting from investigators next Whenever Wherever news breaks it's so important to always remember that lives are changed here in London in.

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For you this hour on ABC News live a gruesome Discovery in the investigation of two missing Kansas moms police say they've now recovered two bodies during their search and the victims uh have not yet uh the identities of the victims have not been released but 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jillian Kelly Jillian Kelly did go missing a.

Month ago the discovery comes after four suspects were arrested and connection to the case they face charges of kidnapping murder and conspiracy in connection more than 250 survivors of the 2017 bombing outside in Ariana Grande concert are now suing a British intelligence agency the suit claims MI5 missed its chance to stop the attack.

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Within the league since 2004 players and coaches on all MLB teams have worn that number on their jerseys today to honor Robinson's Legacy thanks for streaming with us I'm Kira Phillips from breaking news to all the stories that matter to you you can always find us on your favorite streaming service the ABC News app and of course on ABC News the news.

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Here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here Andy good afternoon everyone I'm Kira Phillips our top story this hour 18 months for the movie Set armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in.

The rust film shooting I'm sentencing you to 18 months of incarceration at a New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility I find that what you did constitutes a Ser serious violent offense it was committed in a physically violent manner a fatal gunshot done with your recklessness in the face of knowledge that your Acts.

Were reasonably likely to result in serious harm you were the armorer the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone you alone turned a safe weapon into a Lethal Weapon but for you Miss Hutchins would be alive a husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother please take.

Her so a judge sentencing Hannah Gutierrez to a year and a half Behind Bars after a jury last month found her guilty in the shooting that resulted in the death of cinematographer Alina Hutchins for more we want to bring in our MOA langi just outside Court there in Santa Fe New Mexico and was in the courtroom when the sentencing was read.

Also our legal contributor trial attorney Brian buckmire he was with me also when that all went down so MOA let's start with you and just what it was like in the courtroom and the reaction when she got the maximum sentence well yeah K the morning began with the prosecution talking about how uh they had waited uh to try to figure.

Out exactly what sort of sentence they wanted to to pursue what they wanted to try to encourage the judge uh to pursue uh and they had really been sort of torn about what to pursue until last week when they got a hold of some jail house phone calls that Hannah Gutierrez had made in recent weeks where she expressed according to them no remorse no.

Accountability where she was very critical of the jurors who convicted her critical of the judge critical of the witnesses who testified uh during her twoe trial last month and again showed very little uh remorse and that's why the prosecution said that they were really pushing the judge for the 18-month maximum we also heard from a.

Slew of family and friends of of uh Helena Hutchins who described uh the mother described the the wife the friend the sister the daughter uh who had they they had uh they had lost we heard from uh Helena Hutch's mother uh who talked about this having shattered her life how she not only lost a daughter but lost a best friend it was a very emotional.

Video uh uh testimony that we that we heard from her mother and uh mother also saying that she's waited for the last 2 or three years for anyone connected to this case uh to come to her uh to express sort of Sorrow express some sort of gratitude or uh excuse me some sort of Sorrow for the loss of of her daughter and she's still waiting that no.

One has has reached out to her um Hannah Gutierrez was very emotional throughout this roughly two-hour uh hearing today and that was notable because we saw very little emotion from Hannah Gutierrez during her roughly two-e trial last month uh she was tie the entire time crying uh today uh needeing a box of tissues wiping away tears um and ultim.

That emotion also came through when she addressed the court saying that she was not a monster saying that her heart aches for Hutchin family and friends um that uh despite not having time and resources on the set that she did her best um and she begged for probation and community service but ultimately Kira this wasn't enough you know the judge.

Also saying that that she has never really heard any remorse or accountability from Gutierrez that even today when Gutierrez had the opportunity to address the court uh she really talked about how all of this had inconvenienced her uh more than anything else not expressing any remorse or any accountability uh and ultimately the.

Judge citing that as the reason to uh for her uh to to choose sentencing her to to the maximum to the 18-month maximum that she ultimately decided on Kira well let's go ahead and listen to what gutier said then to the judge just before her sentencing my heart aches for the hutchon family and friends.

And colleagues as well and it has since the day this tragedy occurred Helena has been and always will be an inspiration to me I understand she was taken too soon Brian what did you make uh about her statement because she also went on to say it was her honor uh to work uh on the set that she was young She Was Naive.

Uh that she took her job seriously and also uh that despite not having the proper time resource and Staffing she did the best she could to handle her job I mean hindai being 2020 I would agree with mola there should have been more uh remorse there more my actions led to this someone doesn't have a family member because of my negligence and I.

Think that might have afforded her some Grace that the judge may have considered but I think that the defense that they had a strong argument and saying she's had no criminal record and typically speaking when you have a lower level felony and I don't mean to try to uh disparage the seriousness of this case but involuntary manslaughter is not the.

Highest of felonies it's a fourth degree felony in the state of New Mexico and so when you have a lower level felony firsttime arrest you would think that a judge would come off of the top uh sentence you may not get the probation you're asking for so I think the defense was very confident in what they were going to get in this case um but I.

Thought her words rung trueu to some extent she seemed remorseful her heart a I'm still shock to the 18 months but it's clearly a message that the judge wanted to send on behalf of the family in the criminal justice system all right Brian and mull appreciate you both thank you so much turning now to the people of the state of New York versus Donald J.

Trump the first ever criminal trial of a former president of the United States right now former president Trump is in the courtroom in New York City as attorneys begin jury selection in the hush money case against him Trump coming face to face with the 96 Pro prospective jurors for the very first time as the judge gives them instructions to act.

Impartially if they're selected Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying documents to hide payments he made to pornstar Stormy Daniels to try and keep her quiet after that alleged Affair prior to his 2016 presidential campaign Trump is pleaded not guilty to the charges claiming that the case is just election interference as he continues to.

Campaign for a second run at the White House we have full team coverage of the historic New York criminal trial let's bring in our senior investigative reporter eron kerki also our Elizabeth schilly who covers the White House for us here in Washington and former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons plus former Trump White House attorney Tai Cobb is.

With me here on set Aon let's go ahead and start with you give us the uh the latest from the courtroom every available seat in the courtroom that isn't taken up by the defendant himself or the lawyers is filled with prospective jurors the first batch of 96 enter the court court room a short while ago and the judge.

Immediately launched into about a half an hour's worth of an explanation about what this is and about how a potential juror needs to be fair and a fair juror he said is somebody who was not biased or Prejudice for or against the defendant or witness and to weed out any potential bias those potential jurors are soon going to begin answering a.

Series of questions about 42 of them things like have you ever attended a trump rally an anti-trump rally do you follow the former president on social media where do you get your news the the lawyers want to spend as much as a half an hour uh with each potential juror to make sure they get the kind of person they believe would be favorable to their.

Case but the judge just wants someone who can be fair and impartial got it and Ty the last time I talked to you you were working at the White House I was covering the White House um and I mixed minus in my ear I'm going to take out this ifb for just a second if you're hearing an echo too feel free to take the ifb out of your.

Ear um but just as you okay it's been a number of years now so I have you on set you are no longer working for Trump you are no longer in the white house I just want to know what it's been like for you to sit back and just observe not only this trial but the other hearings and the other charges that have been brought against the former president um your.

Thoughts well I think it's very sad for America um I think beginning with the January 6th U event for sure uh you saw an abuse of norms that have historically you know gotten us through uh and Trump really has stressed democracy and he stressed the legal system enormously I think um you know we're here on the occasion of the New.

York case I think legally the New York case is probably the least uh compelling case certainly as a felony case but at the same time it's not it's not frivolous at least as to the U to the misdemeanor charges with regard to the uh uh false documents uh that were created and the uh the fraudulent uh charges that uh were recorded so um I.

Think and there's no defense really as to as to the facts I mean there's no doubt that the uh the documents were you know fraudulently created there's no doubt doubt that they misrepresented facts so I think where the where the jury is going to have to do the heavy lifting there is obviously in the uh trying to connect it to a felony um and.

I think both sides will be sharply focused on that but you know as an American as somebody who's spent a lot of time in public service uh you know these are sad events uh it's it's sad that a former president stands accused of this um so I I don't think anybody takes any joy out of any of this what was the hardest part about being an.

Attorney in his Circle it was not very difficult for me uh because tell why well I had a I had an assignment uh unique to itself in terms of U uh coordinating the White House response to the Muller investigation and um uh you know that was something that the president was you know unfamiliar with um and he did not uh um you know he.

Didn't have much to comment on because unlike the New York case where the conduct that he's charged with actually occurred and unlike you know the January 6 events where the conduct he's charged with actually occurred or the mar case where the conduct actually occurred you know there was really nothing for him to punch back on in the Russia case because.

You know there was no uh connection ultimately made by Mueller on the on the facts um so it was it was a place where actually he was comfortable taking a lawyer's advice as opposed to a case where he was intimately involved in a central actor as you look at all the various cases that are out there um okay now he owes a lot of money we don't know.

If he's going to be able to pay the millions of dollars uh that Leticia James uh that case um you you've got this ongoing trial right now you've got the the the secret documents uh you know held up at at Mar Lago I mean it's it's really actually hard to keep track of all the charges and the cases um do you think that there will ever be a point.

That he will truly be held accountable so I do certainly if he loses the election you know that that will occur um in the January 6 case that will go to trial the marago case ultimately will go to trial although I'm on record and firmly believe it won't go on trial with the current judge um so I think there will be a real trial as opposed to.

What's occurring down there now um but if he if and and even if he wins um you know the Georgia case uh will be deferred arguably for four years uh so he he may get to trial in that uh as a much much more elderly elderly and but if he wins you know he will he will dismiss both the both the marago case and the January 6 case you're confident.

He will do that if he wins he will dismiss those cases and he will move forward he'll direct he'll direct uh you know somebody at the justice department to you know take the action to dismiss those cases and they that'll be as though they never happened and Chris just as an attorney um your reaction to that um you know I mean it it would not.

Be surprising uh that if he were to come in he would pardon himself in the federal cases what he can't do though is pardon himself in the state cases and Georgia is hanging out there um you know as as the RICO case that could be the biggest one and the one where he's facing a significant amount of time he's looking at 20 years uh the DA's office.

Has indicated that they're going to want prison in that particular case if he's convicted of it and so if he's convicted here in the state of Georgia uh you know he can't pardon himself he's probably going to prison but it's also among the more complicated cases to try because you're talking about an over 90 page indictment with close to 200 predicate.

Acts that they're looking at proving and months to try that case and so it's not clear even if the judge sets this thing in August if it's going to be done before he would take office as the next president of the United States were he to win the election and from a political standpoint Elizabeth schully that's what makes this.

So extraordinary that if indeed he wins the White House once again all these various legal scenarios from pardoning to to uh laying to who knows um what we could see uh within this this possible presidency extraordinary is the right word K because there is no precedent for what we're seeing here we know that none of.

These legal cases are preventing the former president from running for re-election but we do know that there's the possibility that he if he is convicted he might not be able to cast a vote in that election and that is something that of course we have never seen when you're talking about a presidential race the fact is that if he.

Is convicted in this trial which is something that this is the trial we're watching because it is possibly the only one that will actually come to this place before that November date when you look at what voters are saying here and this is a recent poll from Reuters and ipsos 133% of trump supporters said that they would not vote for him if he's.

Convicted of a felony 24% of Republicans said that they would not vote for Trump so that does put into question at least a little bit and it is one poll but it does put into the question that Ironclad support from his supporters up to this point so far Ty he doesn't have to Pardon himself does he no uh he can just direct the justice department to dismiss.

Whatever's pending uh probably probably it would be an appe be an appeal at that stage of the game if it had been been to trial or if it's if it's still the indictment uh just the indictment and hasn't gone to trial he would just have the prosecution dismissed the case stay tuned absolutely we're going to have you back Ty great to see you great to see.

You thank you pleasure Elizabeth Aaron Chris thanks so much we're going to keep checking uh of course back into court with all of you glad you're streaming with us we want to move on now to Iran and the unprecedented attack that took place on Israel for the second day now in a row Israel's Israel's prime minister has been meeting uh with his.

Cabinet to try and figure out what the next move will be uh they haven't made an announcement yet but the country's military Chief did say just a short time ago Israel will respond the question is how world leaders have been urging Israel not to retaliate and that includes the US making it very clear that if it does attack Iran that well.

Israel will be doing it alone President Biden reaffirming his overall support for Israel though adding together with our partners we did defeat that Iranian attack at least half of those strikes failing before they even reached their targets while almost all of them were intercepted and shot down we have live team coverage starting with our wwc.

Correspondent Josh eninger he's inur Jerusalem also our senior White House correspondent Selena Wang is there at the White House j o PR is up on the hill and our contributor and former assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East Mick mroy weighing in as well Josh let's start with you what more do we know about.

Israel's now it's been very very hard to get information out of that cabinet meeting K it's now after 10:00 and at night on a Monday night here in Jerusalem uh we're almost 48 hours now past the attack of Iran so there is got not clearly a rash snap immediate reaction here even though uh Israel obviously knew this was a possibility.

And had been gaming out responses for weeks actually before this uh attack actually took place on Saturday they clearly are heeding the warnings that they're getting from the White House President Biden other world leaders uh to try to use some degree of reserve and try to prevent a further escalation Iran has said any uh attack now not just on.

Iran but also on Iranian interests will now yield an attack by Iran onto the Israeli Homeland which does change the rules of the Iranian and Israeli relationship that goes back decades they've had basically a shadow War One involving secret assassinations and it hacks so uh they're they're trying to figure it out they're getting a lot of.

Pressure from Washington and and uh and the world is waiting to see what they end up doing oh so Selena where does the White House stand on its involvement with Israel now well look the White House says they're not getting involved in in Israel's decision- making but we know that the president has put the pressure on Netanyahu the president told.

Him to take the win that he shown the world that Israel's military is superior but from here he needs to take it slow think carefully and deliberately about what his next step could mean when it comes to escalation President Biden he does not want this conflict to spread into a wider War which is why he's told Netanyahu that while the US is willing.

To defend Israel as we saw over the weekend they're not going to get involved on some kind of offensive here and remember this comes during a time of very frosty relations between President Biden Netanyahu it was less than two weeks ago when Biden threatened to change you his policy if Netanyahu doesn't do more to protect civilians in.

Gaza now what happened to Israel from Iran that has somewhat shifted the global conversation here the G7 leaders convening and shortly after condemning Iran and saying that they have solidarity behind Israel and this is also renewing calls here in the US to pass more Aid to Israel all right and Jay what's the.

Latest uh from Congress passing this Aid uh package for Israel well the house has reshaped its schedule this week Kira to focus on passing aid for Israel and I talked to multiple Republican sources last night into today who said There are very real conversations happening right now amongst House Republicans about including aid for Ukraine into that.

Legislation as well and that would be a big uh concession for speaker Johnson and Republican leadership who have long stalled a for Ukraine to pass out of the House of Representatives but I can tell you just as I was walking up to this camera moments ago the house Freedom caucus a group of Hardline Republicans in the house put out a statement in.

Which they said they would staunchly reject and oppose any move from GOP leadership to link aid for Israel to aid for Ukraine so it makes the topic politically fraught for speaker Johnson it's been politically fraught for him frankly for months now and while that conversation plays out in the house and they look at drafting their legislation.

That has aid for Israel and may include aid for Ukraine it's worth noting that there is a $95 billion foreign aid package that has aid for both Ukraine and Israel that already passed out of the Senate months ago that has languished in the house Kira because Mike Johnson has not wanted to bring it up for a.

Vote all right Selena Josh Mick Jay thank you coming up severe weather targeting millions of people where the storms are hitting right now and where they're next whenever news breaks we are here in Israel a nation at war after that brutal surprise attack by Hamas on the ground.

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Is wherever the story is wherever the story is we're going to take you there you're streaming ABC News live ABC News live you're streaming ABC News live ABC news live streaming free everywhere America's number one streaming news glad you're streaming with us severe storms hitting the Mid-Atlantic right now while another system is set to.

Hit the planes meteorologist Samar Theodore tracking it all Samar what do you have for us well car right where you are down there in Capitol Hill we have some storms getting ready to roll right through Washington DC at the moment you can see the storm pushing through parts of the shanida Valley and the Pennsylvania Maryland border now as we.

Head through the evening there is a threat for severe weather as a result we have a severe thunderstorm watch for pretty much all of Virginia or nearly all of it West Virginia the Del Marva Peninsula up into Baltimore and down I95 quarter into DC that's until 10 p.m. tonight so be aware that the storms that bubble up there could be strong to.

Severe the greatest risk with these storms actually happens to be damaging winds especially in the Richmond area uh we can see some large hail the tornado threat is on the lower end of the spectrum for these storms but that's not the case in the Heartland we have a more elevated risk for severe weather farther west so here we go I've timed it out.

I've pushed us through tonight you can see a lot of the strong robust storms picking up this evening for Omaha parts of Nebraska and Iowa up in Rapid City we we're anticipating very strong storms and maybe a little bit of snow for the Rockies so here you can see from Valentine to Carney down at Great Ben that's where we could see some strong.

Storms we have an elevated risk for tornadoes in the zone as well okay uh even as far south as Witchita Falls and then tomorrow this threat shifts a little bit farther east we have numerous severe thunderstorms potentially for deoy down towards Kansas City Northern Missouri and the threat for tornadoes will follow us farther west into cities.

Like Chicago and down into Little Rock as well and finally I just want to end with uh keeping in mind that there's also a fire danger risk that we have a Red Flag Warning from Scots Bluff through Dodge City right on to Fort Stockton Cara okay you're busy be thank you thank you Samara all right coming up the 128th.

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Live so some of the other top headlines we're following for you this hour on ABC News live the latest on the Baltimore bridge collapse or a cargo crew uh there at the Port might have known that something was wrong with the ship the FBI is now investigating with a criminal investigation as the ship lost power just before crashing into the Francis.

Scott Key bridge six construction workers as you know died and that collapse and from hopkington to The Back Bay the 128th Boston Marathon as you can see is off and running and we've got some of the results as they cross the finish line Ethiopia's cemma won the men's race with a final time of 2 hours 6 Minute 18 seconds then there's Helen.

Obiri that came in she's from Kenya she broke away from the pack for a repeat in the women's race win 2 hours 22 minutes and 37 seconds she's still smiling then we've got got Marcel H from Sweden there taking first place in the men's wheelchair race 1 hour 15 minutes and 33 seconds Britain's Eden rainbow Cooper winning the women's wheelchair race.

There coming in at 1 hour 35 minutes and 11 seconds congratulations to all the winners I'm Kira Phillips we got a lot more news ahead we'll be right back whenever wherever news breaks it's so important to always remember that lives are changed here in London in Buffalo yaldi Texas Edinburgh Scotland reporting from Rolling Fork Mississippi.

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Tonight with David mure is America's most watch newscast right now on ABC News live hush money makes history Donald Trump in a New York courtroom this hour for the start of his criminal trial the first time ever for a former US president will take you there on razer's edge Israel weighing its.

Military options what the war cabinet is considering after Iran's attack 18 months in jail armor Hannah Gutierrez Reed sentenced for the death of helina Hutchins on the set of rust what that means for Alec Baldwin this hour good afternoon everyone I'm Kira Phillips our top story this hour the first ever criminal Tri of a former president of.

The United States right now Donald Trump is in the courtroom in in New York City as attorneys begin jury selection in the hush money case against him Trump coming face to face with prospective jurors for the very first time as the judge gives them instructions to act impartially if they're selected Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying documents to.

Hide those payments he made to porn star Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged Affair PRI prior to his 2016 presidential campaign Trump pleading not guilty to the charges claiming the case is just election interference as he continues to campaign for a second run at the White House we have full team coverage of this historic New York.

Criminal trial we have our senior reporter kathern falers executive editorial producer John santui Elizabeth schully here in Washington and J o' Bran's up on the hill also former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons weighing in with us Katherine we understand 50 potential jurors have already been dismissed what else do you.

Know yeah those jurors uh more than half of that first group that first group was 96 jurors those more than 50 said they could not be fair or impartial they were already dismissed by the judge and other nine jurors said that they had some sort of conflict those conflicts weren't clear but uh typically there would be a conflict that wouldn't allow that.

Prospective juror to sit on the trial for 6 to8 weeks so judge masan of course has said told the jurors what this case centers on of course allegations that Trump engaged with others in a scheme to unlaw influenced the 2016 election now this has moved into the questioning process the judge will ask jurors questions they had to fill out a 42.

Question a questionnaire which is essentially about themselves their potential thoughts on the case the judge will ask additional questions Trump's lawyers prosecutors will also be able to ask those jurors questions as well so this is officially underway with with the remaining group of these 96 jurors so we'll see what comes of that but at.

The end of the day they need 12 jurors Kira and six alternates this could take at the very least a week but who knows it could be two or three all right so John the judge listing several High PR profile names as potential Witnesses stormmy Daniels Steve Bannon Rudy Giuliani members of the Trump family even Donald Trump himself this could get.

Interesting uh it won't get boring that's for sure Kira listen the reality is that at this point what they're doing as part of the jury selection process is throwing all the names out there of possible Witnesses it doesn't mean that's a fin IST per se but what prosecutors and defense lawyers are going to be asking the potential jurors.

Is look do you have an opinion about any of these individuals right would any of them being as part of these proceedings impact your ability to be fair and impartial now obviously as ABC News has previously reported we know many of those names have been mentioned as likely Witnesses in these proceedings we're seeing Stormy Daniels on screen.

You better bet she's absolutely going to take the stand at some point over the course of these proceedings once we do have a jury seated but it does go to show that this is a very far and wide reaching case right it involves Trump's family his business people that went with him to the White House in the beginning because that's of course the.

Timeline of these payments that they happen leading up to the 2016 election and then Donald Trump paying Michael Cohen back leading into 2017 when he was already at the White House Kira so Chris Trump is charged with falsifying his business records to conceal this alleged criminal conduct as a former prosecutor let's just talk about what the da needs.

To prove because so much is already out there including a pretty Saucy and scathing book that stormy uh Daniels put out with a lot of details uh far too many we want to recall uh and then Michael Cohen has been very open and outspoken about his relationship with the former president and dealings they had sure so K it's a little bit of a.

Swearing contest it's a little bit of hand Michael Cohen when he says you know Donald Trump directed me to do this do you believe Stormy Daniels when she says yes I had an affair with Donald Trump and I was paid hush money not to tell my story before the 2016 election and so this the those allegations seem a little less salacious now based on what.

We know but remember back that would this was all back in 2016 before that Access Hollywood tape came out we were thinking the Republican party was still the Republican party of family values and so really the case is about you know did Donald Trump know that the money that was sending to Michael Cohen that he said was for a legal retainer that.

That money was being paid to Stormy Daniels to keep her hushed up before the 2016 election Kira so Elizabeth the former president's team has been of course firing off campaign emails all day uh citing all the cases including this one against him uh they're campaigning once again off of this and it's no surprise and Kira that's.

Probably what the campaign's going to lot look a lot more like in the next few weeks if the for former president is sitting in a courtroom you can see expect to see those emails and less out on the campaign Trail that's something that the White House the former the President Biden he's going to hit the campaign Trail tomorrow in Pennsylvania.

There is a little bit of that split screen going on obviously the White House not at all commenting on any of the former president's criminal cases but look you know kir for the former president this has not been the liability that so many expected that it would he's turned these legal woses into his Cal campaign theme and he's running.

On this theme of Retribution he expects that this is going to continue to Galvanize his supporters it has up until this point at least as far as what some of the polls have shown there is some polling that shows that if he's actually convicted of a crime that support from his staunch supporters could start to wne but we'll just have to see we are in.

Uncharted waters as we've been talking about all day but there you see it on your screen 133% of trump supporters according to this royos IPOs poll say they would not vote for Trump if he's convicted of a felony something that he will be looking at but certainly for now trying to say that look I'm a Target stick with me that's been his message.

Since the start on this Kira so Jay how does this uh impact Donald Trump's standing among Republicans uh there up on the hill well it's interesting with every passing moment as we've watched the trajectory of this there have been these moments where we on Capitol Hill had asked Republicans if this would be their Breaking Point with Donald Trump.

Um and particularly as it relates to these indictments I remember asking Republicans here on the hill after these charges in New York dropped and then the classified documents case dropped in every successive indictment is this the line that has gone too far with Donald Trump and at every moment they've rallied to his defense particularly if.

You think about the classified documents case when it was an kind of an undeniable fact that those classified documents were found at moral Lago although Trump has thrown up defenses in that case as well uh the point being is we have heard from Republicans here on Capitol Hill and Frank RIT large in the party at least a core of the face that.

These trials have only served to more embolden them to support Trump I can tell you I talked to a campaign staffers who worked for other candidates in the GOP Primary like Ronda santis and V ramaswami and Mike Pence and each have privately acknowledged that the day Trump was first charged in this New York case this was the first indictment that.

He received remember that is when the primary fundamentally shifted and you saw GOP base voters jump to Donald Trump's defense and I can tell you one of the serious conversations no doubt being had in the Trump campaign is how do you maintain these trials and their appeal to the base while also try to build a campaign that also appeals to.

More moderate and potentially independent voters as well all right Katherine John Elizabeth Jay and Chris thank you all so much so glad you're streaming with us because we continue to follow two top stories today the other one is that unprecedented attack that Iran made on Israel it's been the second day now uh in a row that Israeli Prime.

Minister Netanyahu met to discuss uh its response to Saturday's attack uh he and his cabinet announcing that the country's military Chief uh has made it clear that Israel will respond and world leaders have been urging Israel uh not to retaliate though and that does include the us but definitely making it clear that if the if Israel does attack.

Iran they will do so alone President Biden still reaffirming his overall support for Israel though and adding together with our partners that we defeated that attack uh when referring to Iran at least half of those strikes as you know failed before they even reached their targets while almost all of them were intercepted and shot down.

We've got live team coverage on this as well with our WABC correspondent Josh eninger he's there in Jerusalem senior White House correspondent Selena Wang is at the White House and our contributor and former assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East Mick Roy MC mroy is back with us uh Josh let's start with you the Iranian foreign minister is.

Now saying that Iran is not seeking to escalate Regional tensions here um but you know they fired toward Israel yeah that's sort of a an odd statement for them to make after what happened on Saturday night and we were here Kira watching you know these missiles streaking through the sky behind us right over the old city of.

Jerusalem this was an obvious escalation that Iran sought to to you know that they were of course responding ing to Israel's attack on an Iranian Consulate in a third country in Syria so so you know that on its face is is the is the issue that Israel is wrestling with right now as the war cabinet meets and tries to figure out how best to.

Calibrate its response you know an army military Chief just said in the last hour uh that Israel will respond after this attack but they have not said how and that of course is the million-dollar question here they know that if they respond too forcefully the United States has said it's not going to assist and the United States has put a lot of.

Pressure on them to to withhold uh the force to try to prevent an even more Furious response from Iran but Benjamin Netanyahu the prime minister is in a very tough spot here in Israel he is leaning on his base for support his base Which is far right-wing and very hawkish and wants him to Pummel Iran there is a growing wave of dissatisfaction there's.

A recall effort there's an effort to hold early elections and turf him out of office he has legal trouble of his own that he's not facing because he's in office which might sound familiar to to those of us in the United States and so uh he's in a world of trouble uh he has a lot of people to please and and they have to make a decision that does not.

Start World War II Kira Selena well that's definitely the last thing we want is a World War II uh Kirby was very careful Selena avoiding uh questions on a possible response uh us involvement and he just stick he's he he's stuck with that one line that the US will not be involved in any way shape or form um tell us more uh kind of read between the.

Lines of what else was said and not said during this briefing yeah Kira I mean he dodged a lot of questions but really he was trying to underscore and create some distance between what the Israelis are going to do and what the US has been advising them to do making very clear that it's up to the Israelis to decide what to do and he was very careful not.

To get into any hypotheticals about if Israel does have some massive response how would the US respond to that because remember less than two weeks ago President Biden had threatened to change you his policy if Netanyahu doesn't do more to protect civilians in Gaza so this is a very frosty relationship right now between the president and Netanyahu.

And while Kirby wouldn't say that up on the podium we have learned according to officials that the president did urge Netanyahu to think carefully now and to take things slow and to be careful about any of the risks of escalation here we know the president has said to him to essentially take the wi here that Netanyahu has already demonstrated to.

The world that the Israeli military is superior to Iran's the president's Focus right now it is to avoid any kind of escalation to avoid this turning into a wider War which has been his Focus ever since October 7th Mick sort of lay out for us um why the US did get involved to a point I mean offering up assets air assets off.

The Destroyers the carrier to help shoot down and intercept um those those drones and missiles coming in at Israel but but why does it end there so K the policy of the United States since the beginning of the war at Gaza has been to avoid a regional conflict uh of course Israel is our partner so we're going to defend them.

But it also helps uh prevent that from happening quite frankly because if these 320 projectiles would have made it through and some would have I think if the United States didn't get involved uh that would have had a huge response by Israel and then we definitely would have had a regional conflict so it was not.

Only in our partners interest it was in the interest of the policy we have uh not to have a a regional conflict now is the time that Israel is going to have to decide what they're going to do I think they're likely to strike in Iran uh and quite frankly the recent statements by Iran that regardless of whether they strike in Iran or potentially even in.

Syria against irgc uh members that are primarily responsible for getting proxies to strike in Israel is going to make them say Well then why not strike in Iran because the consequences are the same and they're never going to take off irgc members that are currently plotting to attack Israel and Syria so this has a strong chance to escalate at least with.

Israel responding into Iran and then we'll have to see what Iran does but this is not what the US would like to see uh but as they say said they're not going to be involved but the ultimate decision is Israel Mick Josh Selena thank you all straight ahead rust armor Hannah Gutierrez sentenced to prison what she.

Had to say in court next this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee centers in Putin Russia on the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 storm along I five Boston is in the bullseye go ABC News live America's number one streaming.

News anytime anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC News live America's number one streaming news with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News World News Tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of.

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Into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honor with four Edward R mural Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here first thing in the morning there's.

A lot going on got another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound.

Sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live 18 months for the movie Set armor convict of involuntary manslaughter in the rust film shooting I am sentencing you to 18 months of.

Incarceration at a New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility I find that what you did constitutes a Ser serious violent offense it was committed in a physically violent manner a fatal gunshot done with your recklessness in the face of knowledge that your Acts were reasonbly likely to result in serious harm you were the armorer the.

One that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone you alone turned a safe weapon into a Lethal Weapon but for you miss Hutchin would be alive a husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother please take her the judge not messing around one bit sensing Hannah Gutierrez there with a.

Final word to 18 months behind bars after the jury found her guilty in the shooting that resulted in the death of cinematographer helina Hutchins legal contributor and trial attorney Brian buckmire has been following this case from day one woo or words were pretty straightforward and harsh Brian yeah the judge really wasn't.

Mincing any words there and I understand this is a homicide case a homicide case being the larger umbrella for murder as well as manslaughter and that includes involuntary manslaughter and the fact of the matter is is that Hannah gutia Reed was the armor it was her responsibility to make sure that there was safety protocols put in place and while I still.

Stand by the fact this is a firsttime arrest negligence case I would not want to be in the judge's shoes I am still surprised that she gave Hannah gz Reed the maximum sentence here but of course the judge did uh back up the reasoning for it in her sentencing it also appears that by the judge's calculations she didn't seem remorseful enough and even.

The family said that Hannah Gutierrez re didn't reach out I do understand that to some degree and I think this is where attorneys really mess things up I I think Hannah gutier reads as well as Alec bald's attorney are saying don't admit anything don't say you're sorry no matter how bad you feel because there's still civil litigation continuing on and.

So that might be why the family hasn't been reached out as yet but again I think lawyers ruin everything when it comes to trying to really have catharsis and empathy for someone who clearly lost a very important member of their family how do you think this is going to impact Alec Baldwin's trial now come July I think for Alec Baldwin there are two.

Things here one he gets to point the finger and say even the judge said that she was the sole person that caused the death of of Helena Hutchins that she was the armorer she was supposed to make sure it was safe she was the individual who kept multiple live rounds throughout the set it is her negligence that led to the death of Helena Hutchins and I think.

Alec Balton uses that as an argument say I'm the actor I'm supposed to be giv my materials I'm supposed to be given the props they're supposed to be made safe however he also was a producer he wears two hats on the set of rust and I think that is going to be a situation it says you cut Corners you didn't do training uh and safety protocols as you're.

Supposed to and so there could be that argument but even more for Alec baldman if a judge is willing to give Hannah Gutierrez Reed 18 months in prison I do not think this judge will shy away if Baldwin is found guilty from giving him any amount of jail time yet alone Pro potentially the max Brian let's take a listen to what guti said to the judge.

Just before her sentencing my heart aches for the hudon family and friends and colleagues as well and it has since the day this tragedy occurred Helena has has been and always will be an inspiration to me I understand she was taken too soon what did you make of what she had to say Brian well I think don't don't.

Forget there was also some jail housee calls that were also played for the judge and so I think the judge and everyone else took those two comments and weighed them both potentially saying that hey when the time came and it was appropriate uh and maybe beneficial to you Helena uh Hannah guz Reed you were remorseful you talked about how your.

Heart ACH for Helena and you said some very nice words but I don't think she went as far as saying I did wrong I'm sorry I'm remorseful for my actions in my part in this and then you take those jail house calls as well where she seems pretty adamant that she is not at fault that that she was not the one uh who led whose action sorry led to the death of.

Helena and I think that's ultimately as the judge quoted the reason why uh the maximum sentence was given so I just think far too little and far too late is a big reason why we're talking about 18 months and not something more like six or 12 months appreciate you Brian thanks for just staying with us for all the.

Coverage all the way through sentencing appreciate it my pleasure coming up four rests and a gruesome Discovery in the search for two missing Kansas moms we've got that for you next here's to good mornings in America Can You Feel The Love oh yeah mornings that Inspire filled with hope kindness.

Joyous surprises and so much fun this is crazy this is absolutely only crazy start your day with Good Morning America's ray of sunshine highlighting the best of America and helping make dreams come true wow feel so happy it's so good get ready to smile and put the good into your Morning America because you know what would make the morning.

Better a little ray of sunshine what does it take to be the most watched newscast in America an oper to capure Isis fighter is this our combat Operation Center we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear reactor.

So you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag there's not a tear in it not a tear in it how important is this label right here made in the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love this great work hi where are you where are you.

Appreciate thank you David good to meet you is David David yes yes I'm David M I know you are you every night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's most watched newscast this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee centers in Putin Russia on the ground in.

Ukraine close to the front line from the capital Destructor Cat Force Story You're along I Boston is in the bullseye let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming news any time anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America's number one streaming news first thing in the morning there's.

A lot going on get another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound.

Sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news today so let's into it listen now to the.

Daily News podcast honored with four Edward R murl Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start here reporting from Buckingham Palace in.

London I'm James Longman wherever the story is we'll take you there you're streaming ABC News live some other top headlines we're tracking for you this hour in ABC News live two bodies discovered amid the ongoing investigation of two missing moms from Kansas four suspects were arrested in.

Connection to the case this past weekend 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jillian Kelly were reported missing late last month the identities of the bodies though have not yet been released more than 250 survivors of the 2017 bombing outside the Ariana grand concert are now suing British intelligence agency MI5 alleging that it.

Missed its chance to stop the attack before it happened 22 people were killed in that attack when a man set up a bomb in his backpack in a crowd right there in Manchester celebrating 77 years of number 42 the trailblazing athlete Jackie Robinson played his first game in the majors on this day in 1947 breaking baseball's color barrier and for the.

Past 20 years players and coaches on all MLB teams sport number 42 uh they wear the number 42 on their jerseys and today we all come together in honor the baseball slugger and Legend glad you're streaming with us I'm Kira Phillips from breaking news to all the stories that matter to you you can always find us on your.

Favorite streaming service the ABC News app and of course on abcnews.com the news never stops neither do we we'll be right back what does it take to be the most watched newscast in America an operation to capture Isis Fighters is this our combat Operation.

Center we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag there's not a tear in it not a tear in it how important is this label right.

Here made the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love this great work hi where are you where are you appreciate you thank you David good to meet you is David David yes yes I'm David I know you are watch you every night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure.

Is America's most watched newscast it's lunchtime in America so what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know you know that sounds pretty good your health your money breaking news pop culture with the biggest Stars music Trends and of course good food gma3 what you need to know a third.

Hour of GMA in the afternoon so join us afternoon for everything you need to know I love that this is ABC News live the crushes on the ground in Ukraine ABC News live America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsl America's number one streaming.

News reporting from the site of the 2024 Iowa caucuses on Victor okendo wherever the story is we'll take you there you're streaming ABC News live hello everyone I'm Kira Phillips some of the top headlines are tracking for you here at ABC News live this hour the people of the state of New York.

Versus Donald J Trump the first ever criminal trial of a former president of the United States right now Trump sitting in a New York Court room as attorneys begin jury selection in the hush money case against him Trump is charged with 34 counts of allegedly falsifying documents to hide payments he made to stormmy Daniels to keep her.

Quiet about an alleged Affair prior to his Run for the White House in 2016 Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges claiming that the case is just election interference and he continues to campaign for the November election closing Bells sounding on Wall Street stocks finishing the day suffering major losses as the sluggish spring continues.

To drag on Wall Street NASDAQ S&P 500 both closing more than 1% lower as rising geopolitical tensions and disappointing economic data have left investors rattled among today's biggest losers Tesla Salesforce and door Dash 18 months for the movie Set armor convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the Russ film.

Shooting I am sentencing you to 18 months of incarceration at a New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility I find that what you did constitutes a zero serious violent offense it was committed in a physically violent manner a fatal gunshot done with your recklessness in the face of knowledge that your Acts were reasonbly likely to result in.

Serious harm you were the armorer the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone you alone turned a safe weapon into a Lethal Weapon but for you miss Hutchin would be alive a husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother please take her judge sentencing Hannah Gutierrez.

There to 18 months behind bars after the jury found her guilty in the shooting that resulted in the death as you heard the judge of cinematographer helina Hutchins thanks for streaming with us I'm Kira Phillips ABC News live is here for you anytime with the latest news context and Analysis you can always find us on your favorite streaming service.

The ABC News app and of course on abcnews.com the news never stops neither do we gma3 starts right now what you need to know right now on GMA 3 history unfolding in New York City as jury selection gets underway in the hush money criminal trial against former president Trump Israel's war cabinet.

Meets again today as the world watches on high alert after Iran's failed retaliatory strike of hundreds of missiles and drones the calls to deescalate what our team is now learning plus is beef in rap music back the primer on the war of words involving Drake Kendrick Lamar and Jay Cole it's today's Monday Morning.

Quarterback I kick Cancer's butt excitement about a potentially groundbreaking new treatment that researchers say shows promise and hard to treat cancers among children it's also money Monday here teaching girls what they need to know about the bottom line in this financial literacy mon.

Tonight is about both Johnson's because I'm no longer little brother I am an A-list manager who gets things done plus gronish takes a final bow this season star Marcus scrier takes us behind the scenes of the blackish hit spin-off and the long awaited WNBA draft gets into high gear tonight in Brooklyn tickets selling out in 15 minutes three.

Dozen young players about to hear their fate and and as his wife is about to give birth at any moment Scotty Sheffer wins the Masters by four strokes his second Green Jacket by the way in just 3 years now from Time Square DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim with Dr Jen Ashton and what you need to know oh yeah good right everybody good.

Afternoon and welcome to what you need to know that's a way to kick off Monday good Tunes that song I could see you bouncing all of a sudden you were like over here and then and then just lit up yeah when that beat drops as well it is good to see you guys yeah we miss stay away I missed you guys too a you did yeah okay let's put you back to work.

You ready let's talk to America's favorite doctor let's talk about this recent measles outbreak uh there have been seven outbreaks with at least 121 reported cases this year yeah so this is an important medical headline you guys and I think if we remember back to 2020 we've learned how important it is to to keep our eye on everything that's going.

On in the world of Public Health and infectious disease and measles is a big one let me take you through it um first of all some measles 101 this is actually the most highly contagious respiratory virus on Earth uh with cold-like symptoms and a rash as the typical way that it presents nine out of 10 unvaccinated people if exposed to.

Measles will become infected uh it can easily be mistaken for another illness and that's part of why the CDC is sounding the alarm because so many healthc care providers have never actually seen a case of measles um in this country it is Airborne transmissible through the air children are particularly vulnerable and we have.

A preventative uh way out of this you guys with a two- dooses vaccine that's 97% effective at preventing illness um again it's in our toolbox it's not being used and that's why the CDC continues to put this on our radar because we're seeing cases go up and up and up we we have seen occasional outbreak here and there here in the United States so is.

This particular outbreak any more concerning than the others it is year to date it's 17 fold higher and again the vast majority of people if infected with measles uh will be fine but it can cause serious illness incilius pneumonia um and particularly vulnerable are unvaccinated children almost all of these cases that were tracking in this.

Country are amongst unvaccinated people so again totally unnecessary alarming to see the least doc we appreciate it let's turn now to ABC zaren Shaw in Los Angeles with our latest headlines good afternoon zaren Eva we begin with the first former American president to stand trial on criminal charges former president Trump in court in Manhattan.

Today as jury selection begins in the so-called hush money case Trump has pleaded not guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records prosecutors say that Trump was at the center of an alleged scheme to keep a story about an alleged affair with an adult film star from voters just before the 2016 presidential election Trump has denied.

All wrongdoing and the battle Brewing over OJ Simpson's estate after the former football staring convict passed away just last week new questions about his will and whether the families of Simpson's late ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman will receive any of the more than $30 million they were awarded in a civil suit that Simpson.

Lost decades ago and the new development in the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore sources familiar with the matter say the FBI is now probing what whether there might have been any criminal wrongdoing in the crash of that vessel that brought down the bridge the justice department says FBI agents were on the cargo ship this morning as part.

Of that investigation and now to our Ginger Z who has a look at your weather the atmosphere is warming up for a severe weather outbreak this week it'll start tonight and that is parts of Nebraska Kansas and even Southern South Dakota all the way down into Texas abalene watch for damaging winds large hail is the main threat but tornado's.

Possible too tomorrow that tornado threat ramps up even more more Iowa Missouri Illinois in the heart of it but Arkansas you'll be on the trailing end as well and just to put into perspective where we are tornado wise so far this year the US is below average but look where the highest counts are Ohio Illinois Indiana Kentucky and Florida.

Outside of traditional Tornado Alley and golf G Scotty Sheffer taking home his second green jacket in just three years winning the legendary Masters classic in Georgia this weekend with his wife at home about about to give birth at any moment the 27-year-old is the number one rank golfer in the world and excitement is building for.

Tonight's historic WNBA draft tipping off in Brooklyn Caitlyn Clark expecting to hear her name called first the college Superstar about to turn pro making her Saturday Night Live debut this weekend all eyes will be on Clark Angel Reese and three dozen other top college players tonight and you can watch it all on ESPN tonight at 7:30.

P.m. Eastern guys I was watching SN she was received with so much love you could feel the excitement yeah people love her and could you imagine being her right now what's going through her mind like this is the moment this is I can't imagine being her mama very proud thank you and good to see you friend still ahead on gma3 on.

This Monday tension's rising in the Middle East our team with a deep dive on the latest and is beef in rap music back the war of words between Kendrick Drake jcole and more we're going to explain it all in today to's Monday Morning Quarterback whenever news breaks we are here in Israel a nation at war after that brutal surprise attack by Hamas on.

The ground in Ukraine reporting from Leon Maine the scene of a horrific mass shooting ABC News live is right there everywhere from the scene of that deadly missile strike in Dena Ukraine reporting for the earthquake in Turkey in Rolling Fork This Tornado tore through the this little town from the most devastating disaster in Hawaii from.

Charleston South Carolina on the 2024 campaign Trail in Iceland let's go traveling with the president in Mexico City wherever the story from the front lines from Southern Israel outside the Gaza Strip in beir from the FBI reporting from the nurses on the picket line here at 10 Downing Street in London streaming live to you wherever the story.

Is wherever the story is wherever the story is we're going to take you there you're streaming ABC News live ABC News live streaming ABC News live ABC news live streaming free everywhere America's number one streaming news first thing in the morning there's a lot going on got another Avalanche warning that's up to catch you up with what happened.

Overnight a dangerous ice storm is impacting the morning commute what's happening today escalating tensions in the Middle East what people are talking about the migrant crisis fast straightforward with some fun in between how does billionaire sound sounds good to me the Moose started chasing a dog first thing in the morning America this.

Morning America's number one early morning news on ABC News live here was a story where's Kate what's going on with Kate of course the mystery of a missing woman Anna Royal doesn't get more fascinating than that then the moment that silenced everyone it's been a really difficult time I would argue that the royal family were.

Already facing a crisis this Health crisis has given them probably their biggest challenge the crown in crisis what is the relationship like between Harry and William today now streaming on Hulu get ready America every Friday the hottest Trends Styles and must have what's the right stuff to buy right now I really love that it's time to buy the.

Right stuff yes and save big time too The Right Stuff Fridays on GMA you're going to love it with so much at stake so much on the line more Americans turn here than any other newscast ABC News world news tonight with David mure America's number one most watched newscast across all of Television welcome back to gma3 all eyes.

Are on Israel as the world awaits the nation's next move Israeli leaders awaiting their response to Iran's dramatic missile barrage that put the International Community on high alert Iran launched more than 300 missiles and attack drones at Israel this marked Iran's first ever direct military assault on that country and joining us.

Now with more what's next is ABC News National correspondent Matt Gutman from Tel Aviv and Senior White House correspondent Selena Wang from Washington DC Matt let's start with you I mean this was an unprecedented attack on Israeli forces but they managed to block 99% of those drones and missiles how it was a multi-layered approach Eva.

Um a lot of it had to do with a massive and very powerful International Coalition led by the the US um they picked up a lot of those drones shot them out of the sky as did they did with ballistic missiles as well Israel picked up the slack its own Air Force knocking out a lot of the drones they also had um anti-missile systems that for the medium.

Range and the long range that acted and worked almost flawlessly but the fact that it was such a big uh network of Nations that were cooperating over a very busy and congested airspace and they managed to deconflict it really is unique that's what also makes it not very replicable if Israel retaliates and then there is another Salvo of missiles.

From Iran unclear that they can get this kind of international support again Eva Selena what did President Biden tell Netanyahu after the attack well DeMarco the president essentially told Netanyahu to take the win that he's already demonstrated that Israel's military is superior and that from here he should take things slow think carefully and.

Strategically about the risk of escalation now the President also made clear to Netanyahu that if Israel decides to strike back it will do so alone it's clear that the US was willing to defend Israel but they're not going to go on the offensive so right now the ball is very much in Israel's court but despite the pressure you've seen from.

The president and from us officials on their Israeli counterparts a senior Administration official says that they believe Israel will strike back and so the big question here is is Netanyahu going to take the pressure from the president okay Matt we have to talk about this so you know Iran is saying this is all about retaliation Israel's.

War cabinet has met what are you hearing about what's going to happen next this is the second time they've met in as many days Eva uh they've been in there for hours now we do not know the results of this meeting unclear if we will even once they're over the Israeli military definitely believes that it needs to respond somehow to that mass of.

Salbo of missiles from uh Iran otherwise they're going to seem like a paper tiger they need to reest establish a sense of deterrence they say and they say that they offered a spectrum of options to the Israeli government unclear what they're going to choose but again a lot is riding on this and if it's too big of retaliation it's unclear if Israel will.

Be able to knock out all those missiles again if they come if it's too small does it reestablish that deterrence it's very unclear right now in the next couple of days are going to be people are going to be on tender hooks here and Selena we should also point out that the president met with G7 leaders how are world leaders.

Responding look this really rattled global leaders including here in the United States in fact one senior official said that their hand was trembling when they were taking notes after learning that more than a 100 ballistic missiles could be launched when it comes to the G7 and the meeting that the president had with them after.

They convened they released a statement expressing their full solidarity and support for Israel that show of support that is a shift for Israel remember they've been facing months of intense and harsh criticism over their military operation in Gaza it was less than two weeks ago that President Biden threatened to change US policy if.

Netanyahu doesn't do more to protect civilians in Gaza so all of this coming at a time when President Biden Netanyahu they have this very frosty relationship so the question is how does that factor into the way the president is able to put pressure in Netanyahu when the president's first priority is to prevent this from escalating into a wider War.

ABC's Matt Gutman and Selena Wang thank you to you both just ahead here on GMA 3 the dises and the beef we know all too well right the war of words and wrap between Superstars but could a little beef be good for the music industry Monday Morning Quarterback Mike Muse joins us to break it all down for us come on.

back what does it take to be the most watched newscast in America an operation to capture Isis Fighters is this our combat Operation Center we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to.

go the house is destroyed but the flag there's not a tear in it not a tear in it how important is this label right here made the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love this great work hi where are you where are you appreciate you thank you David good to meet you is.

David David yes yes I'm David M I know who you are you every night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's most watched newscast what's good to watch read where can I get a great deal on what I'm just dying to buy oh it's all right here GMA light get the latest celebrity Buzz.

Deals and Steals and the coolest lifestyle tips from GMA I love that so much streaming weekends on ABC News live Whenever Wherever news breaks it's so important to always remember that lives are changed here in London in Buffalo yaldi Texas Edinburgh Scotland reporting from Rolling Fork Mississippi Ukrainian refugees here in warsong we're heading.

To a small community outside of Mexico City getting you behind the stories as they happen ABC News live Prime we'll take you there stream ABC News live week nights wherever you stream your news only on ABC News live why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day.

Top stories start here now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming make it your daily first listen wherever you get your podcasts this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee centers in Putin Russia the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 storm along I Boston.

Is in the bullseye let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 24/7 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsl America's number one streaming news reporting in St Petersburg Florida in the aftermath of hurricane Adalia I'm m wherever the story is we'll take you there you're streaming ABC News.

Live all right welcome back to GMA 3 this weekend social media was buzzing with the possible beef between three of Hip Hop's biggest stars Superstars Drake Kendrick Lamar and J Cole and here to catch us up on what we need to know is our Monday Morning Quarterback Mike Muse I was off of social media all weekend and I showed up on the Monday morning.

Was like what what is happening what's going on okay so there's some major beef break this down for us whoa did you pick the wrong weekend to be off of social media right because jcole Kendrick and Drake the three of them are the most dominant MC's currently uh in music for multitude of different reasons Drake for his Commercial Success Kendricks for his.

Lyrical prowess Jake Cole for his fundamentals and lyricism of Hip Hop well recently uh well there was a time when J Cole and Drake teamed up to create the song called first person shooter and in that uh J Cole references um that they are the big three right and then he goes on further The Big Three meeting Drake Kendrick and and Cole but.

Then Cole goes on to reference himself as Muhammad Ali well listen y'all Kendrick Lamar did not like that at all I mean Kendrick Lamar has a pull of surprise right and so what Kendrick did was on a Friday he teamed up with future and Metro rman who was a hip-hop producer and did incredible 16 bars and said there is no big three it's just me.

And it took off it took off and then the World got to talking Eva but wait there's more as I love to say the following week jco came out with his response to uh K Lamar uh but afterwards on Sunday at his dream Bill Festival Eva DeMarco he apologized he said that he should not have done that he should not have dis Kendrick his catalog is great.

He took it off all the entire streaming platforms but we were waiting to see what Drake was going to do and on Friday we all waited music Friday nothing happened but on Saturday a dis track release up pushups is name of the song and it created a firestorm where Drake responded to all of his enemies at the time future Metro rooman the weekend RI.

Ross and for everybody oh you know and you can't leave out the women I mean you look at ni Minaj versus Meg the stallion but you say this is good for music it's good for the industry absolutely it's great for the hip hop right now because of the fact of like it expands a genre like I said before it's no different in sports and when you see your great right.

Like you think about Muhammad Ali and Frasier right you think about who's the greatest Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant LeBron James right so you have all these great that really expand and CR the line when does it become too much it be cross the line when it gets into the real world and gets physical um then it it crossed the line but until then it's.

Great but listen I talked about pit prize and I talked about Jay-Z BEC the first rapper in the in the um songwriting Hall of Fame this is no different hip-hop is American literature hip hop is founded on allegory alliterations metaphors and when you think about the fuse that's happened in American literature all from the great.

From Ernest himay Fitzgerald they had Feud uh him andway said quote if he could have had a fewer pompous musings and a little Sounder education it would have been better maybe talking about his literature and then we have PR and Lorraine Lorraine says one of those pretty little Society boys who managed to get themselves pregnant with.

Literature to which they had a dual DeMarco which then goes too far so in literature has already been established like thank you what we know is the drama will continue and we will be here for it thank you Mike Muse let's go we'll see you next week for our next Monday Morning Quarterback up next year on gma3 Dr Jen's list of.

Colleg boosting Foods we are all ears and we're also going on a field trip to Florida International University researchers there say a new treatment is showing tremendous promise among children with hard to treat cancer stay with us what does it take to be the most watched newscast in.

America an operation to capture Isis Fighters is this our combat Operation Center we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag.

There's not tear in it not a tear in it how important is this label right here made the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love this great work hi where are you where are you appreciate you thank you David good to you is David David yes yes I'm David M I know you are.

Watch you every night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's most watched news C this is ABC News live the crush of families here in Poland at Refugee centers in Putin's Russia on the ground in Ukraine close to the front line from the capital destructive Cat 4 storm.

Along I Boston is in the bullseye let's go ABC News live America's number one streaming news anytime anywhere streaming 247 straight to you for free thank you for making ABC newsline America's number one stream dreaming news here was a story where's Kate what's going on with Kate of course the mystery of a missing woman an a royal.

Doesn't get more fascinating than that then the moment that silenced everyone it's been a really difficult time I would argue that the royal family were already facing a crisis this Health crisis has given them probably their biggest challenge the crown in crisis what is the relationship like between Harry and William today now streaming on.

Hulu all right Dr Jen this is in your expertise C-sections and pain yeah so first of all there are over a million C-sections done in this country every single year it is a major laparotomy major abdominal surgery even though it's done for the birth of a baby um so pain control pain relief is obviously a major issue not just after post-operatively.

But during because remember in a C-section ideally the patient the mom is awake um so there was just a report done in an anesthesiology Journal about the level of adequate pain control during surgery and found according to this study that there could be even amongst 5,000 uh cases that they looked at up to 24% of women say they did not have.

Adequate pain control during the C-section so they felt a little bit of everything well it's unclear I want to talk you through you know usually we use epidural or spinal Regional anesthesia it's called to to get an adequate pain level for the patient um we do that for the protection of the patient and also for the protection of the fetus we don't.

Want to expose them to general anesthesia and we test we literally grab a clamp and we squeeze the skin and say are you feeling anything before we make that skin incision and obviously if the woman says yes I'm feeling that we say pain or just pressure will you feel grabbing and if they say pain we don't continue um but this really speaks to.

The issue of you know how much are these women feeling and is it pressure or is it pain and if it's pain we need to do better obviously I don't want to feel anything I mean clearly I'm a man well feel but you do feel pressure and and we don't want people exposed to post-operative to operative pain that can then go on to have long lasting.

Consequences so really really interesting all right doc thank you we're back at moment EV was looking and be like M see what we have to go through be glad you're a man why do so many people start their day here from ABC News this is start here to be in the know and get a different take on the day's top stories a lot of news.

Today so let's get into it listen now to the Daily News podcast honored with for Edward R murl Awards and see why the New York Times calls it a news podcast worth listening to start here ABC News make it your daily first listen now that's a part of the story I bet you didn't see coming wherever you get your podcasts start.

Here it's lunchtime in America so what are we serving up well how about everything you need to know you know that sounds pretty good your health your money breaking news pop culture with the biggest Stars music Trends and of course good food GMA 3 what you need to know a third hour of GMA in the afternoon so join us.

Afternoon for everything you need to know I love that what does it take to be the most watched newscast in America an operation to capture Isis Fighters is this our combat Operation Center we're approaching the gate now militants came in from four or five different directions operational nuclear.

Reactor so you have a couple loaded and ready to go the house is destroyed but the flag there's not a tear in it out of ter in it how important is this label right here made the USA look at your smile you're proud of this I love it great work.

Hi where are you where are you appreciate you thank David than is David David yes yes I'm David M I know who you are watch you every night ABC's World News Tonight with David mure is America's most watched newscast can you believe it it's 25 years of breakfast and bed surprising moms Across.

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You're watching America's number one streaming news live reporting breaking new exclusives keep streaming with ABC News live it's the first ever criminal trial of a former president of the United States hello everyone I'm Kira Phillips former president Trump in a Manhattan.

Courtroom as attorneys begin jury selection in the hush money case against him Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying documents to hide payments that he made to Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about their alleged Affair prior to his 2016 presidential campaign Trump has pleaded not guilty to all the charges the judge has imposed a limited.

Gag order as well keeping him from making comments about people directly and indirectly involved with the case but prosecutors are now seeking to hold Trump in contempt for allegedly violating that gag order and making posts on on social media 18 months for the movie Set armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the rust.

Film shooting I am sentencing you to 18 months of incarceration at a New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility I find that what you did constitutes a Ser serious violent offense it was committed in a physically violent manner a fatal gunshot done with your recklessness in the face of not.

That your Acts were reasonably likely to result in serious harm you were the armorer the one that stood between a safe weapon and a weapon that could kill someone you alone turned a safe weapon into a Lethal Weapon but for you Miss Hutchins would be alive a husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his.

Mother please take her the judge there sentencing Hannah Gutierrez to a year and a half Behind Bars after the jury found her guilty in the shooting that resulted as you heard the judge in the death of cinematographer helina Hutchins and from hopkington to Back Bay the results are in for the 128th running.

Of the Boston Marathon Ethiopia CE Lemma winning the men's race with a final time of 2 hours 6 minutes 18 seconds can see there breaking right through the Finish Line then you've got Helen obiri from Kenya breaking from the women's pack for a repeat win in Just 2 hours 22 minutes and 37 seconds then we had the wheel wheelchair divisions that's Marcel Hook.

From Sweden taking first place in the men's wheelchair race at 1 hour 15 minutes and 33 seconds and then Britain's Eden rainbow Cooper winning the women's wheelchair race right here coming in at about an hour 35 minutes and 11 seconds and breaking news to bring you now court has just wrapped in the first.

Ever criminal trial of a former president of the United States yes we're talking about Donald Trump he was in the courtroom there in New York City all throughout the day 6 hours matter of fact as attorneys began jury selection in the hush money case against them as you know Trump is being charged with 34 counts of falsifying documents that he.

HD those payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels to try and keep her quiet about an alleged Affair that they had prior to his 2016 presidential campaign we've got full team coverage of the historic New York criminal trial for more let's bring in our executive editorial producer John santui okay and Olivia Rubin also uh who.

Has been covering this uh from the very beginning and uh and I'm told we've got other players that'll be coming to the into the mix as well as we are learning now that things have just wrapped up all right so uh John I'm assuming uh Trump will come out to the cameras and make remarks like he usually does yeah yeah it's it's another day and we better get.

Used to it Kier it sounds like that's exactly what Donald Trump's about to do the headlines so far from our team that is down in that courtroom in lower Manhattan no jurors were seated as of close of business today they only got through a couple and what's most interesting here is that of the 96 jurors that originally walked into that.

Courtroom to potentially join that member of that me be a member of that jury uh instantly half of them left they said that they could not be fair or impartial getting that number cut in half then cut in half again because of some timeline some conflicts one person saying they had their daughter's wedding they couldn't be on the jury so.

Originally that big number of 96 here just getting down to 11 no juror seated yet a couple holdovers that they'll continue to question tomorrow but I do think this does get to this idea of how long it's going to take for a jury to get seated look it's obviously complicated to seat a jury of fair and impartial people regardless of the.

Situation but of this juror questionnaire a lot of people reacting almost instantly do you have an opinion of Donald Trump that would not allow you to be fair or impartial and we saw half immediately removed so they end today they resume tomorrow and really car you know we have heard this timeline that it would take maybe about two weeks to sit.

A jury well they didn't do much of it today because as you well know as we've been reporting here on ABC News live half the day was spent going through motions they didn't even get into the jury selection process until well after lunch we've got tomorrow this court does not seat sit on Wednesdays so really you've only got three more days this.

Week to maybe seat some jurors and we'll see what happens so Chris Timmons let's talk about can Trump even get a fair trial here it's you know look there's there's two sides to this I mean well-instructed juries you know they've shown time and time again right that they can put aside what they've learned seen been used to outside of a courtroom.

And then come in and look at the evidence and give a fair Shake here to whoever is taking the stand but this is Donald Trump that we're talking about who never leaves a headline yeah that's true Kier I mean I think it's a difficult task and as I said earlier today on ABC live coverage.

I mean that's why they brought in 500 people this morning I've never seen that I've done some high-profile cases here in Georgia I've dealt with opioid cases where people have a lot of opinions I've done gang cases where people have a lot of opinions and so you lose a lot of jurors but you know not 500 brought in on the first day and not of the 96 or.

However manyy were brought in the courtroom losing 50 straight off the bat that is unprecedented nevertheless though to get back to your question can you get a fair jury that's exactly why we're going through this process and so while it may be a small percentage of the people that are brought in that can set aside whatever opinions they may.

Have of the former president either positive or negative but we'll be able to find them and finally get down to the 18 people that we finally need to serve serve on this particular jury now they've got to qualify at least I think the numberers around 40 or so that they've got to qualify to get down to that each side has 10 strikes that's 20.

Jurors right there and then for every two alternates they've got an additional strike which I guess would be uh six more strikes total so you're looking at 26 people plus 16 the quick math on that is 42 and we've got to get to those 42 people before we can even get to then the perm strikes and get our jury so Rachel Scott let's bring you into the.

Mix um you know what's your take because polls are suggesting that a guilty verdict um would likely have a big influence on what happens come November it certainly could Kira look there is no question Republicans have rallied behind the former president he has taken over the RNC his daughter-in-law Lara Trump is now serving as the co-chair along.

With Michael wattley someone who has pushed Trump's false claims about the 2020 election we have seen him break through that very crowded Republican field to become the presumptive Republican nominee but things get tricky for the former president when you look at polls and you dig through some of those cross tabs and.

You start to see that Trump supporters about 13% according to the latest ipsos poll would not support the former president if he were to be convicted of a crime no that's his own supporters and then 24% of Republicans at large said that they would not vote for him if he were to be convicted of a crime now that is a big red flag for the former.

President and look Donald Trump does not want to be in this court court room we are six week we are 6 months 2 weeks out from election day who's counting not your campaign correspondent over here he wants to be out on the campaign Trail he wants to be in these critical Battleground States he's now stuck in this courtroom for the for likely the.

Next several weeks and that's why we're going to probably see the former president come to the podium again and again to try to communicate his message because this is really all he has at this point as he tries to juggle being a courtroom and out on the campaign TR when he can but he's going to be severely limited Kira all right John.

What's developing Kira our team is obviously still waiting as the court closes down for the day and from our Aaron kerki it appears as they go through the scheduling phases of the next couple of days Donald Trump has just indicated in court his lawyers just indicated that Donald Trump actually would like to.

Attend the Supreme Court arguments next week on his efforts to delay his other trial this is the Jack Smith special counsel case into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election as you know Kira Donald Trump's team has been trying to appeal that case and to delay it they delayed it up to the Circuit Court in DC they have a Circuit Court ruled with the.

District court the case continue Trump's team then appealed to the Supreme Court saying that presidential immunity could be applicable in this case for Donald Trump's actions related to the team's efforts to overturn the election and the Supreme Court took up the case they decided to hear it and those arguments as of now are slated to happen next.

Thursday in Washington DC what's interesting about that kir is that you know we've talked about this Collision Course right the different hearings and cases that could happen at the same time next Thursday would be a normal business day for this trial for what will probably still be jury selection here but Trump now indicating he wants to go.

You know we talk about the historic nature of this I don't think we've ever seen a president a former president go before The Supreme Court for anything so I just think that image if that indeed happens if judge Maran gives him the day off and lets him attend um we've had no indication previously that Trump wanted to go but there it is from our team Kira.

Just St in open court Donald Trump would like to go to the Supreme Court next week y he just uh he keeps uh creating a well I don't know what's what what's I'm thinking we expect it but we don't he's so unpredictable but he is so predictable it's just really I mean count all the firsts and uh Olivia you're there outside the courthouse um.

You know John's mentioning judge Maran you know let's talk about one Maran who is he what do we know about him uh what's been the interaction like uh there in the courtroom uh is the former president being respectful how is uh the judge handling the former president who as we know uh can be quite the handful at.

Times well I think here especially you know with this team that's been covering Donald Trump in court for over a year now we have really seen a development of Donald Trump in court I remember nearly a year ago to this day when we saw Donald Trump being arraigned here for the first time and how it was a vastly different Donald Trump that we see these.

Days I remember reporting at the time that he walked into a courtroom for the first time because New York was the first trial and he seemed scared he was timid he said hardly anything with the judge Juan Marsha asking him to please speak up because he couldn't hear him and then you fast forward to something like the egene Carol trial where Donald.

Trump is muttering under his breath he is storming out of the courtroom so we have seen Donald TR develop in his demeanor inside of the courtroom becoming much more feisty at times much more aggressive at times and I think Juan marshan has been shown to be someone that is not going to put up with that sort of behavior and when he read.

Donald Trump back some of his rights today you know you have a right to be present but if you are disruptive I will throw you out of court you know that is something that he says to every single criminal defendant he said but it really carried a lot of weight when he said it to Donald Trump today you could sort of tell that he meant it you could tell.

That there was meaning behind it because it is something we have seen from Donald Trump before so it's going to be fascinating to see how these two face off because remember Donald Trump is not afraid to attack the judges overseeing his criminal cases he is not afraid to attack the prosecutors and he is not afraid to attack the family of Juan.

Marshan and he has been going after his daughter and now he is sitting in front of him in a courtroom today so no real fireworks between the two today but I think it's going to be very interesting to see how it plays out over the next 6 weeks because like I said we have seen a Donald Trump that is much more emboldened one year into his courtroom.

Journey than we saw when he was just beginning it leave here for a half a day go to DC and go before the United States Supreme Court because he thinks he's Superior I guess to the Supreme Court we got a real problem with this judge we have a real problem with a lot of things having to do with this trial including the da because you go right outside and.

People are being mucked and killed all day long and he's sitting here old day with about 10 or 12 prosecutors over nothing over nothing over what over what people say over what people say shouldn't be a trial so I just want to thank you very much but uh that I can't go to my son's graduation or that I can't go to the United States Supreme.

Court that I'm not in Georgia or Florida or North Carolina campaigning like I should be it's perfect for the radical left Democrats that's exactly what they want this is about election interference that's all it's about thank you very.

Much are you John I think we can be pretty direct here this is not about election interference uh this is about a story that goes back a number of years that involved his former fixer Michael Cohen and porn star Stormy Daniels and the allegations of their relationship and.

Payments that were made to keep her quiet this is not election interference let's just lay out the evidence and the facts here that we've been covering for years yeah and K I think that's the most important word you just said we've been covering this for years this is not something that began yesterday not something that began before D began.

After Donald Trump announced that he would go for the White House for a third time with this bid for 2024 this has been a case that many prosecutors have been looking into for some time and actually it's a case that began believe it or not kir I mean going back to to days when you and I were both in the same city working in DC it goes back to.

Special counsel Robert Mueller an information he obtained from Michael Cohen that was then turned over to prosecutors in New York's southern district Michael Cohen ended up being prosecuted for some of those crimes and then evidently it was turned over to the Manhattan District Attorney's office where they have been weighing what to do.

For it for some time expanding the case looking at different ways to go about it originally investigated by then district attorney Cyrus Vance he ultimately left office to not seek reelection Alvin brag comes in continues investigating and here we are that indictment of course coming down one year ago just about this time last March.

So definitely not election interference from there obviously another claim Donald Trump made earlier today not in that statement from what we heard um but saying that Joe Biden and others were behind all of this as you well know Kira there is no evidence to say that President Biden is behind any of these investigations any of these four.

Criminal cases against Donald Trump I do just want to note um the two comments he made as he was coming out of court care if you'll let me um he commented about the Supreme Court uh case that I had mentioned to you a couple seconds ago his team making that argument in court just before they dismissed today's proceedings saying that he'd like to go.

Next Thursday to court Trump's team making the request judge Maran denying it on the spot saying that Donald Trump did not need to be at the Supreme Court he needed to be in New York cuz these are criminal proceedings and said he expects to see him next Thursday reacting saying that he disagreed with the judge's opinion there the other.

Thing he talked about is that as they were going through the calendar for these proceedings here about days that would be on and off Trump had asked at one point his lawyers had asked on his behalf to have off for his son Baron's High School graduation in May that was also denied by judge mhan Trump reacting to that saying that the judge won't even.

Let me go to my son's High School graduation and again I just think Kira where we need to explain the difference between what we've seen so far and where we ar now the other cases that Donald Trump had popped in and out of court for were civil proceedings he did not need to be at those proceedings every day welcome to the new world order this is.

Criminal Court you have to be there as a defendant every day Donald Trump now going to learn that the hard way and Olivia uh Ruben I'm seeing your note here about the judge denying this request um from uh Todd blanch to excuse Trump from the proceedings uh anything else you want to add to that I was just just reading through the note that was.

Just handed to me well I think to John's point you know he is not required to be there and now he is not allowed to be there and what is going to be a very consequential hearing and I think something about the immunity argument that a lot of people forget because we're covering so many cases there is it's actually bigger than.

Just the January 6th case Donald Trump has also filed a presidential immunity argument in fton County Georgia that is still pending and I was just recently talking to a source down there who pointed out that in their view that case is essentially paused and the judge down there Scott McAfee likely is not moving forward with that case because the.

Supreme Court still has yet to decide the source described it as limbo so there is a lot hanging on the line for Donald Trump with that case and it goes beyond just the January 6 case so important to remember how intertwined all of these cases are and again he is not going to be able to be there because there is this case going on and we have.

Said it but you can't stress it enough it may be the only one to go forward so it is the one that will for now at least command Donald Trump's attention for the next 6 weeks and Rachel uh Biden is uh not saying anything uh of course about Donald Trump or anything that's been going on today or previously what about members of Congress what's the uh Buzz.

Up on the hill anything yeah well look Republicans on Capitol Hill are largely standing by the former president they have fallen in line it's really hard to find any Republican who will admit uh publicly that they have a lot of concerns about the accusations against the former president but sources have told us privately they find the subject.

Matter to be extremely difficult uh they know that it's extremely problematic and I would even go as far as to say that sources that I've talked to uh within Republican circles have told me they have concerns about the impact that this could have going forward if there is an actual conviction and I think it's so striking here I just we're talking about.

The notes that we are getting from our reporters Aaron kerki this line that he said the judge said inside that courtroom your client is a criminal defendant in the New York County Supreme Court he's required to be here K just how striking this is because we are talking about the former president of the United States the presumptive.

Republican nominee this is a former president you know who you know when you're president of the United States you don't really get told no you're allowed to do what you want to do you're the presumptive Republican nominee you're allowed to travel where you want to travel that is not the case I think John uh really hit the nail on the head.

There when he said he is now faced with this very Stark reality that is playing out in front of him and this is a reality uh that the former president will have to contend with with over the next several weeks and it could be very irritating for him we know that he walked into that courtroom today anxious but also irritated because again every.

Day that Donald Trump is spending inside of this courtroom is a day that he is not spending out on the campaign Trail and guess who will be out there it will be President Biden he'll be making his case to the American people and so even though President Biden isn't commenting on all of this playing out in the courts right now he's looking to draw that.

Contrast directly as he gets back out there on the campaign Trail Kira and Selena wang let's take it to you at the at the White House you have ta Cobb who was an attorney for the White House under the Trump Administration was on set here with me we were having the conversation that what happens if Trump indeed wins a second term and becomes.

President of the United States once again um some of these cases can go bubye M and look here right now the White House is staying out of this and in fact when President Biden was asked just moments ago if he's even going to wash the Trump trial he shook his head no and the Biden campaign too they believe that.

This is a split screen that speaks for itself to have the former president in the courtroom they're on criminal charges over covering up this salacious Scandal they think that speaks for itself they know this is going to dominate the new cycle and they think that actually works in their favor with Trump spending more time in the.

Courtroom than on the campaign Trail as Rachel was saying but look if there is a conviction the strategy that we're seeing from the Biden campaign that could change with some polls showing that a conviction could impact those critical independent and swing state voters but for now this week the president he's going to be out on the.

Campaign Trail he's going to be traveling to Pennsylvania he's going to be delivering an economic message about what they say is a president delivering for the American people versus Trump and the Maga Republicans campaign of Revenge and retribution so what we're seeing Play lay out today Trump in the courtroom the Biden campaign believes.

It's just showing the American people what chaos could come with another Trump presidency and for now they think that's sticking with their message of showing the split scene screen the contrast the threat that Trump poses to women's reproductive freedoms to democracy they believe that is a stronger message at this moment than focusing or fundraising.

Off of his legal Wes Brian buckmire from a legal perspective I mean Juan Maran the judge here uh he's not giving the president any special treatment he's being treated like anybody else that would come into His courtroom absolutely and I can tell our viewers and everyone else here I've been a public defender here at the city.

Of New York for the legal a society uh for about eight and a half nine years and I've had clients miss the birth of their children Miss graduations I've had clients whose parents uh were in the hospital dying of cancer and the judge says you've got to show up to court you're not going to get an excuse and so I think what Donald Trump is getting.

Very real and harsh reality of uh you're like everyone else everyone is equal under the law whether you are a former president whether you're an Indigent client uh this is the way that it works and he is more than welcome to articulate his frustrations in any way uh to his base uh to the people of America but you are being treated the.

Exact same way regardless of your status or your money when it comes to you have to come to court you are accused of a crime and as I argue sometimes it shouldn't be but part of the punishment is showing up each and every day y even if you're Donald Trump and you are used to getting your way it's not going to happen in front of this.

Judge for sure we just saw that play out uh in judge Juan maran's courtroom uh Chris Timmons the gag order the social posts what could happen here yeah so that's interesting Kira because they the judge said a hearing for Wednesday that's going to be their off day when they're not doing jury selection that means they can do other.

Court matters at that time handle Etc so that the jurors aren't hanging around like they were earlier today but the contempt issue is really fascinating because I don't think there's much doubt that Donald Trump violated the gag order by talking about some of the Witnesses on his uh social media platform over the weekend the real question is what's the.

Judge going to do about it I mean we saw a different judge today where he indicated that he's putting his foot down he's not going to treat Donald Trump any differently than he would a regular criminal defendant and if that's the case then there's got to be some punishment there then the two different types of punishment are either a fine or.

Confinement meaning he can put him into custody if he puts him into custody that could be interesting as well particularly where he puts him because in potentially could be Riker's Island although that's highly highly unlikely oh can you just imagine those pictures um Olivia what about the timeline here are we on.

Schedule well I think judge Juan marshan made sort of a loose reference to the fact that hypothetically they could be falling behind schedule and I think we heard John zanui hit on this um already a bit earlier they only got to actually question 11 jurors today and some of those jurors gave answers that are probably going to get them struck either.

By Donald Trump's team or by the prosecutors one of them saying I think that no one is above the law not even a janitor that's not something Donald Trump's team is going to like so it seems like we're going to be stretching far beyond the you know week or two that could have taken to seat this jury just based on the fact that they only.

Questioned 11 jurors in an entire day today Kira and Juan Marshon said that they had 500 ready to go to be questioned so when you're talking about Donald Trump who wants to get out on the campaign Trail who wants to go to a supreme court argument who's going to be pushing up against uh the Republican National Convention this summer every.

Single day that they fall behind is going to be another day that they have to tack on to the end another day that Donald Trump is in the courtroom another day that he's not out on the campaign Trail so what they don't want is for this trial to stretch further and further and further but based on the timing today that's what it seems like.

Is going to happen Chris we got about 60 seconds left give me your final thoughts here as we wrap this up so I mean at the end of the day what we're trying to do just like Olivia talked about the folks that are going to get struck we're trying to qualify the panel and Brian can speak to this but I believe the magic number here is 42.

Qualified so that's what we've got to figure out is who are the 42 that are ultimately going to be the veneer and then from there they do their strikes thank you all so much Livia John Rachel Selena Chris Brian you helped us get through the day uh six hours Trump sat in that courtroom we'll continue to follow of course the trial as jury.

Selection wraps up and everything goes forward I'm Kira Phillips thanks for streaming with us more news ahead this is ABC News live the crush family

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