Juror dismissed in Trump trial after concerns she couldn’t be impartial

The third day of the New York hush money trial against former President Donald Trump kicked off on Thursday with the dismissal of a juror who raised personal concerns about her ability to be fair and impartial.

The woman, who was listed as the second juror out of a group of seven chosen on Tuesday, said she had concerns about her ability to be fair and impartial, adding that she was afraid and intimidated by the press. She also noted her friends, family, and colleagues questioned her identity as a juror.

With the dismissal of the second juror, the total number of seated jurors goes back down to six. An additional six are needed, along with six alternates, before opening statements can begin.

After her dismissal, Justice Juan Merchan addressed the media, saying it was unnecessary for the media to report on jurors’ accents and appearances, according to a New York Daily Mail reporter.