Donald Trump convicted ahead of US elections

By Vatican News staff reporter

A New York jury found former US President Donald Trump guilty of falsifying business records, making him the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. The jury ruled he committed fraud in order to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star ahead of the 2016 election.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and an attorney representing him said they would appeal as quickly as possible.

His conviction on 34 felony counts by the jury prompted a flood of calls for riots and retribution on pro-Trump websites.

After deliberations over two days, the 12-member jury announced it had found Trump guilty on all the counts he faced. Unanimity was required for any verdict.

Trump lost his 2020 re-election bid and continues to insist the vote was "stolen." 

The former president, a Republican, is hoping to win a second White House term in November elections. He is challenging Democratic President Joe Biden.

Trump could face fines or even prison time, but will not be jailed ahead of sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just days before the Republican Party is expected to formally name Trump as their candidate for the presidency.

(Reuters contributed to this report)