A Scottish woman on vacation. A retiree carrying a Trump puppet. A 22-year-old film producer. A former criminal defence attorney.Hundreds of people travel miles and wait hours in the early morning for a chance to be in the Manhattan courtroom for the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president.
Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records in relation to a hush-money payment made to a porn star.Both ardent critics and devoted fans of Mr Trump have gathered daily for the trial, now entering its fifth week. But despite their differences, nearly all provided the same reason for being there: to catch a glimpse of history.
"The truth is, when you come and sit in this [court]room, you're not really expressing your support for any side," said Shmuel Munkis, a Brooklyn resident. "It's just about being here, just to witness history."Mr Munkis is among dozens of people who waited in line for the second day of testimony from Stormy Daniels, an adult film star who has alleged having sex with Mr Trump, who has denied this.
Mr Trump is accused of illegally covering up a reimbursement he made to his former lawyer who gave Ms Daniels the hush-money payment. The adult film star's first day of questioning on Tuesday featured a series of salacious details about an evening she alleges she spent in Mr Trump's hotel suite. The testimony prompted the former president to curse and shake his head across the courtroom. It also sparked a frenzy outside the courthouse, with an even longer line on a brisk spring morning for a chance at a seat.
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