(WASHINGTON) -- The Justice Department on Tuesday contacted the families of victims of two fatal Boeing 737 Max crashes as it nears a crucial decision over whether the company violated a 2021 deal that allowed it to escape criminal prosecution over the incidents, according to a letter obtained by ABC News.

The letter, sent by the department's fraud section, invited families to attend a May 31 meeting where they will be informed of the DOJ's decision as to whether the company breached the deferred prosecution agreement, or DPA.

If prosecutors believe they can make the case that Boeing violated the agreement's terms -- which demanded the company's continued cooperation with the government, a requirement it disclose any allegations of fraud, and avoid committing any felony offenses -- it would pave the way for a historic criminal prosecution of the aerospace giant that could have widespread impacts on the country's aviation industry.

"The DOJ has been very nontransparent in disclosing to the families how they are going about making the determination of compliance or breach," said Robert Clifford, a lawyer representing families of Max crash victims. "That has been a very disappointing feature of the department's contact and communication with the families. But, in fairness to the department, prosecutors seldom discuss the details of their investigations, so this is not out of the ordinary."

The meeting will be the fourth conferral session between the Justice Department and the families of passengers who died in the 2018 and 2019 crashes of two 737 Max airplanes who for years have accused the DOJ of cutting a "sweetheart deal" with Boeing that should be thrown out.

Attorneys for the victims have pointed to numerous allegations of potential wrongdoing since the deal was cut -- such as claims from whistleblowers, which Boeing has denied -- that the company flouted regulations and measures meant to protect its customers' safety, as well as the January door plug incident on an Alaska Airlines flight that is now the subject of a federal criminal investigation.

"From a prosecutorial point of view, I believe they likely have enough evidence to prove Boeing violated the DPA," said Mark Lindquist, an attorney representing a number of victims' families. "In plain language, the main point of a deferred prosecution agreement is this: Don't screw up again. Boeing screwed up again. The door plug blowout on the Max 9 is just one example."

The letter from the DOJ on Tuesday states that families will meet with attorneys from the department's fraud section over a period of seven hours on May 31, where they'll be told of the DOJ's decision "and potential next steps, and to hear your input and views on the same."

ABC News has reached out to Boeing for comment.

A DOJ spokesperson did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment on the letter.

"I firmly believe that entering into this resolution is the right thing for us to do -- a step that appropriately acknowledges how we fell short of our values and expectations," David Calhoun, Boeing president and CEO, said in a note to employees after the company was charged by the DOJ in 2021. "This resolution is a serious reminder to all of us of how critical our obligation of transparency to regulators is, and the consequences that our company can face if any one of us falls short of those expectations."

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- Stormy Daniels took the stand in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial on Tuesday, describing for jurors the night she allegedly had sex with him.

The adult film star, who testified pursuant to a subpoena, said she first met Trump at the Lake Tahoe Golf Tournament in 2006, when she was 27. Trump has repeatedly denied the alleged affair ever occurred.

"I didn't know his age, but I knew he was as old as or older than my father," Daniels said, noting her father was 60 at the time.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, testified that Trump's bodyguard approached her at the tournament and asked if she'd like to have dinner with Trump. She was not initially interested, she said, but reconsidered after her publicist encouraged her to go.

"If nothing else, you'll get a great story," Daniels, who was an adult film actress, recalled what her then-publicist said her.

When she met Trump inside a suite at one of his resorts, Daniels said he was wearing pajamas.

"He was wearing silk or satin pajamas that I immediately made fun of him for -- 'Does Mr. Hefner know you stole his pajamas?'" she recalled saying to him. "I told him to go change and he obliged very politely."

Trump changed into a dress shirt and pants, Daniels testified, and the two sat at a table and spoke. Much of the conversation focused on Daniels' background in the adult film industry, she said.

"Are there any unions? Do you get residuals? How do you get paid? Do you get health insurance? What about STDs?" Daniels recounted Trump asking her.

Daniels said that Trump specifically asked about her own tests for STDs.

"Every test that I have ever done ... and I have never had a bad test. I never tested positive for anything," Daniels said.

The two also had a "very brief" conversation about Trump's wife, Melania Trump.

"He showed me a few pictures ... and I said, 'Oh, what about your wife?'"

She testified that Trump responded, "Oh, don't worry about that; we don't sleep in the same room."

During their conversation. Daniels testified Trump suggested she go on "The Apprentice." He also allegedly compared her to Ivanka Trump.

"You remind me of my daughter," Daniels said Trump told her, remarking on how people underestimate her intelligence.

At one point, Daniels said she got "snappy" because Trump kept cutting her off.

"Are you always this rude? Are you always this arrogant and pompous?" she testified she said to him, then "spanked" him "right on the butt" with a rolled-up newspaper.

After going to the bathroom -- where she said she went through his toiletry bag -- Daniels said she walked out and saw Trump on the bed wearing his "boxer shorts and T-shirt," which she described as a "jump scare."

"The next thing I know, I was on the bed," Daniels said. "I had my clothes and my shoes off. I believe my bra, however, was still on."

Daniels testified that she then had sex with Trump, and that he did not wear a condom. During this exchange, Daniels went into great detail.

Previously, the Judge Juan Merchan had said that “We don’t need to know the details of the intercourse."

Trump's attorneys objected to parts of the testimony, including when Daniels detailed the alleged positioning of her and Trump.

When it was over, Daniels said Trump told her, "We have to get together again soon."

Before detailing the sexual encounter, Daniels noted there was an “there was an imbalance of power” but she was not threatened. “He was bigger and blocking the way. I was not threatened verbally or physically,” Daniels said.

She said he never expressed any worry about his wife finding out.

The two kept in touch after the encounter, Daniels said, with him frequently referring to her as "honey bunch."

"It was weird," she said.

Frequently, when Trump called, Daniels said she would put her phone on speakerphone because she "thought it was funny," and she said "dozens and dozens of people heard me on the phone with him."

After Daniels described details of her alleged sexual encounter with Trump, the defense requested a mistrial. Judge Juan Merchan denied the motion.

"I don't believe we are at the point where a mistrial is warranted," Merchan said.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City, where he is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.

Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

May 07, 4:36 PM
Court ends for the day

Judge Merchan has ended the proceedings for the day.

Former President Trump was conferring with his attorney when Stormy Daniels passed by the defense table on her way out of the courtroom, and she and Trump did not appear to acknowledge each other.

Court is off tomorrow, with Daniels' cross-examination scheduled to resume at 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday.

May 07, 4:26 PM
Defense presses Daniels on claim of extortion

Defense attorney Susan Necheles, resuming her cross-examination of Stormy Daniels following a break, raised the defense claim that Donald Trump was the victim of extortion.

"You were looking to extort money from President Trump, right?" Necheles asked.

"False," Daniels replied.

"That's what you did, right?" Necheles insisted.

"False," Daniels responded.

May 07, 3:55 PM
Defense suggests Daniels is making up her story

Defense attorney Susan Necheles asked Stormy Daniels a line of questions about what details Daniels included and omitted from her 2018 book, based on some of what she said today court.

At one point Necheles directly asked if Daniels was simply making up her story about Trump.

"You are making this up as you sit there?" Necheles said.

"No," Daniels forcefully responded.

"The whole story was made up, wasn't it?" Necheles said.

"None of it is made up," Daniels responded.

For most of the cross-examination, Donald Trump, at the defense table, has been sitting back in his chair and angled toward the witness stand. His eyes are frequently closed, and he rarely confers with his lawyers.

May 07, 3:44 PM
Defense suggests Daniels has profited from her story

Defense attorney Susan Necheles is attempting to suggest that Daniels has profited from what defense attorneys have argued is a false claim of a sexual encounter.

"You have been making money by claiming you had sex with Donald Trump for more than a decade?" Necheles asked.

"I have been making money by telling my story about what happened to me," Daniels responded.

"And that story has made you a lot of money, right?" Necheles followed up.

"It has also cost me a lot of money," Daniels said.

May 07, 3:37 PM
Judge steps in during heated cross-examination

Judge Merchan has had to intervene on multiple occasions to play the role of mediator as the back-and-forth between Stormy Daniels and defense Susan Necheles has grown heated.

When Daniels at one point started to speak unprompted, Necheles snapped: "OK, Miss Daniels, you understand there's no question pending, right?"

That prompted the judge to instruct Daniels, "Please wait until there's a question asked, and then you can answer the question."

At various points when prosecutors have objected to Necheles' line of questions, Daniels shoots her head to her right toward Merchan, who sits less than five feet away from her.

She stares at Merchan until he rules on the objection, then continues her testimony where she left off.

May 07, 3:32 PM
Daniels pressed on calling Trump names

Stormy Daniels raised her voice at one point during a testy exchange with defense attorney Susan Necheles.

Necheles showed Daniels a Tweet she wrote that said, "I don't owe him s--- and I'll never give that orange turd a dime."

A few jurors cracked smiles when Nicheles read aloud one of Daniels' tweets, in which she called Trump an "orange turd."

"That's you calling President Trump names, correct?" Necheles asked.

"In retaliation for him calling me names," Daniels responded.

"You call him names all the time, right?" Necheles asked. "You despise him."

Daniels responded that she was countering the names he called her that the jury previously saw, namely Horseface and Sleazebag.

"Cause he made fun of me first," Daniels said.

"So one of you started it and you both continued it?" Necheles said.

May 07, 3:22 PM
Defense presses Daniels on not paying Trump's legal fees

Defense attorney Susan Necheles played up the animosity Stormy Daniels has for Donald Trump after a California court dismissed a lawsuit she filed against him and awarded Trump legal fees totaling more than a half million dollars.

"You're choosing not to pay President Trump one penny," Necheles said. "You've chosen to disobey a court order."

She read a Tweet from Daniels saying she would go to jail before paying Trump the money a court determined she owed.

Necheles' voice, during questioning, is almost rising to shout, jolting the courtroom.

Judge Merchan reminded Necheles to allow Daniels to answer the question before rushing on to the next one.

May 07, 3:14 PM
Daniels says she hates Trump, wants him 'held responsible'

Defense attorney Susan Necheles began her cross-examination of Stormy Daniels by suggesting that Daniels' testimony was rehearsed.

"The prosecution subjected you to several grueling prep sessions, which included brutal mock cross examinations?" Necheles asked.

"My testimony was not rehearsed," Daniels responded.

"The memories were hard to bring up -- they were painful," Daniels added.

"Am I correct that you hate President Trump?" Necheles asked.

"Yes," Daniels responded.

"And you want him to go to jail?" Necheles asked.

"I want him to be held responsible," Daniels said.

May 07, 3:09 PM
Daniels says she's been paid $100K for Peacock documentary

Stormy Daniels testified that she sold the license rights of her story to Peacock -- which released a documentary about her earlier this year -- for $125,000.

Of that amount, Daniels said she has has received $100,000 so far.

Asked why she felt the need to make the documentary, Daniels responded, "To get the truth out -- the same as the book."

Hoffinger then asked Daniels to read aloud one of Trump's social media posts about her.

"I did NOTHING wrong in the 'Horseface' case," Daniels read, slightly raising her voice. "Never had an affair with her, just another false acquisition [sic] by a Sleazebag."

Daniels testified that Trump has repeatedly called her "horseface."

In the jury box, many of the jurors have been taking notes as Daniels testifies, with others looking back-and-forth between Hoffinger and Daniels as though they're watching a tennis match.

Trump, meanwhile, is slouched back in his seat, looking down or straight ahead -- still seeming to avoid looking toward the witness.

After the last round of questions, Hoffinger concluded her direct examination.

May 07, 2:43 PM
Daniels says she understood agreement to be with Trump

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger resumed her direct examination by asking Stormy Daniels about October 2016, when she agreed to sell the rights to her story -- but the payment from Michael Cohen was repeatedly delayed.

Jurors were shown the final signed agreement between Stormy Daniels, through her attorney, and representatives for Donald Trump.

"Is that who you understand you were signing this agreement with?" Hoffinger asked, referring to Trump.

"Yes," Daniels answered.

Daniels said she received $96,000 of the $130,000 wired by Michael Cohen. The jury has previously seen the paperwork associated with the wire transfer to her attorney Keith Davidson.

May 07, 2:33 PM
Daniels is told to 'stay focused' before she retakes stand

With the judge's permission and the defense's consent, prosecutor Susan Hoffinger stepped out to confer with Stormy Daniels before she was to retake the witness stand.

The judge said Hoffinger would remind Daniels to "stay focused" and make sure she "does not provide any unnecessary narrative."

Trump stared forward as Daniels reentered the courtroom. Only after she turned toward the witness stand -- passing the defense table where the former president sits -- did Trump glance at Daniels.

"Good afternoon Miss Daniels, I remind you that you're still under oath," Judge Merchan said as she retook the stand.

May 07, 2:27 PM
Judge says remedy for defense is on cross-examination

"As a threshold matter, Mr. Blanche, I agree that there are some things that would be better left unsaid," Judge Merchan told defense attorney Todd Blanche in denying the defense's motion for a mistrial based on Stormy Daniels' testimony.

"The witness was a little difficult to control. Having said that, I do think there were guardrails in place ... certain details that I don't think we needed to get into," the judge said.

"Whether these are new stories or not new stories, the remedy is on cross-examination. So I'm going to deny your motion for a mistrial at this time." Merchan said.

"I was surprised that there were not more objections," from the defense team he added. "At one point, the court ... objected, because there was no objection coming from the defense."

May 07, 2:18 PM
Judge denies motion for mistrial after Stormy Daniels testimony

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger pushed back on the defense's request for a mistrial, arguing Daniels' testimony was consistent and permissible.

"This story -- her account -- is highly probative of the defendant's intent," she said. "This is not new. This is not a new account."

"They opened the door to this," she said. Her testimony was necessary for prosecutors "to rehabilitate credibility where they attacked it" in their opening statement.

Hoffinger defended her direct examination, telling Merchan she dialed back the testimony at his request.

"We were extremely mindful of not eliciting too much testimony about the actual act," Hoffinger said.

Blanche fired back, telling Merchan that the testimony from Daniels was a harmful distraction.

"I don't think anybody can listen to what that witness said and think it had anything to do with the charged conduct," he said. "You run a very high risk of the jury not being able to focus on the evidence that really does matter."

"I don't believe we are at the point where a mistrial is warranted," Merchan said.

May 07, 2:03 PM
Defense moves for mistrial over Daniels' testimony

Trump's defense team has moved for a mistrial over Stormy Daniels' testimony

"We move for a mistrial based on the testimony this morning," defense attorney Todd Blanche said following the lunch break.

"The guardrails by this witness answering questions by the government were just thrown to the side," Blanche said.

"There is no remedy that we can fashion ... to unring this bell," Blanche said about the impact of Daniels' testimony.

Blanche argued that Daniels' testimony was "way different" from her past statements about her alleged encounter with Trump.

Blanche argued that the testimony regarding condoms, being "blacked out" and and the "power dynamic" prejudiced the jury.

According to Blanche, "aside from pure embarrassment," the testimony was given to "inflame the jury."

"All of this has nothing to do with this case," Blanche said.

May 07, 12:42 PM
Daniels says she decided she wanted to 'get the story out'

Stormy Daniels testified that she authorized her agent Gina Rodriguez to shop around her story in 2016.

"My motivation wasn't money," Daniels said. "It was to get the story out."

"It was motivated out of fear, not money," Daniels said, adding that her financial situation at the time was the "best it's ever been."

"Why didn't you ask for more money?" Hoffinger asked about Michael Cohen's $130,000 offer.

"Because I didn't care about the money," Daniels said.

May 07, 12:39 PM
Daniels says man threatened her not to discuss Trump

Stormy Daniels told jurors that she did an interview with "InTouch" in 2011 about her interactions with Trump.

In June 2011, she said a man approached her in the parking lot of a Mommy-and-Me class in Las Vegas.

According to Daniels, the man "threatened" her not to continue telling her story about her "encounter with Trump."

Daniels said she did not report the encounter to police.

"He told me not to say anything at all, and I was scared," Daniels said, appearing to get choked up during this testimony.

Daniels testified that this exchange, in part, prompted her to want to take down a blog post in 2011 that alleged she had had a sexual encounter with Trump.

Jurors earlier heard about the blog post during the testimony of Daniels' then-attorney Keith Davidson, who sent a cease-and-desist letter to the blog to get the post removed.

May 07, 12:33 PM
Daniels says Trump again made advances

Daniels also testified that Trump made sexual advances toward her during a meeting in Hollywood, California.

"He kept trying to make sexual advances," Daniels said. "Scooting closer, giving me compliments," but she rebuffed him.

"Did he tell you to keep it confidential?" the prosecutor asked.

"Absolutely not," Daniels responded.

At no time during any of their encounters, Daniels testified, did Trump seem concerned about getting caught or his wife finding out.

Daniels said that was the last time she saw Trump in person.

As she left, she said, Trump told her, "'Want to get together again. I miss you.' You know, the usual."

Since that in-person encounter, Daniels said she got a few more phone calls from Trump, who at one point told her that she could not go on "The Apprentice."

During their last call, Daniels said that Trump apologized after another adult film star appeared on "The Apprentice." Daniels said she did not care.

She testified that her life in the years following her encounters with Trump were “amazing.”

She told jurors that she got a raise, directed more films, broke into mainstream film with feature film castings, became a decorated equestrian, and had a child.

May 07, 12:19 PM
Daniels recalls meeting Karen McDougal at 2007 Trump party

Stormy Daniels said she saw Trump again in January 2007 at a Hollywood party celebrating the launch of Trump Vodka.

She recalled meeting a number of Trump's friends, including a woman named Karen. It turned out to be Karen McDougal, whose allegations of an affair were bought and buried by the National Enquirer before the 2016 election, publisher David Pecker testified earlier at trial.

"Did you know her last name then?" prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked.

"No," Daniels said, telling jurors she later learned her name was Karen McDougal.

Hoffinger asked Daniels about visiting Trump in Trump Tower -- an interaction Trump assistant Rhona Graff testified about earlier in the trial.

Daniels described the meeting as "rushed" and "very, very brief."

"It was very brief. He was very busy," Daniels said. "It was very sort of rushed."

When asked if Trump was worried about people seeing her in Trump Tower, Daniels said no.

"Oh, no. He introduced me to everyone," Daniels said. "He just seemed busy."

May 07, 12:13 PM
Daniels says Trump kept in touch with phone calls

After the Lake Tahoe encounter, Daniels said she and Trump kept in touch, with him frequently referring to her as "honey bunch."

"It was weird," she said.

Daniels said she continued to take Trump's calls on the advice of her publicist, who wanted Daniels to explore the idea of going on "The Apprentice."

When Trump would call Daniels after their encounter, she testified that she would always put him on speakerphone because she "thought it was funny." She said "dozens and dozens of people heard me on the phone with him."

Jurors just saw a contact in Daniels' phone -- labeled "D Trump Rhona" -- for Trump's longtime executive assistant Rhona Graff.

"If I need to get a hold of him ... I need to get a hold of a woman named Rhona," Daniels said.

Jurors heard testimony from Graff less than two weeks ago when she testified about entering a contact for Daniels in the Trump Organization's system.

Jurors again saw the Trump Organization contact for Daniels, who confirmed the phone number was hers.

May 07, 12:08 PM
Daniels told only 'very close' people about encounter

Stormy Daniels testified that she met Trump the next day when he came to her hotel for an event associated with the golf tournament.

"The next day, I met him this time at my hotel at a nightclub restaurant downstairs," Daniels said.

"I arrived and he was sitting at a booth," Daniels said, adding Trump was sitting next to football player Ben Roethlisberger. Trump referred to Roethlisberger as "Big Ben," according to Daniels. She said she tried on his Super Bowl ring.

"He wasn't drinking," Daniels noted about Trump, who famously does not drink.

Daniels said that she told "scores of people'' about Trump inviting her to his suite, but she kept the information about the sexual encounter to very few people.

"The sex part I told very few, very close people," Daniels said.

May 07, 11:59 AM
Daniels describes sexual encounter with Trump

As Stormy Daniels described how she and Trump began having sex, Trump tapped his attorney Susan Necheles again, presumably to encourage her to object. Necheles then raised an objection about details of the sex, which was sustained.

"The next thing I know I was on the bed," Daniels said. "I had my clothes and my shoes off. I believe my bra however was still on."

Jurors seem riveted -- a few are furiously jotting down notes, but most have their eyes fixed securely on Daniels.

"Do you remember how your clothes got off?" Hoddinger asked.

"No," Daniels said.

"Did you end up having sex with him on the bed?" Hoffinger asked.

"Yes," Daniels said.

"Did you touch his skin?" Hoffinger asked.

"Yes," Daniels said.

"Was he wearing a condom?" Hoffinger asked.

"No," Daniels said.

"Was that concerning to you?" Hoffinger asked.

"Yes," Daniels said.

Before detailing the sexual encounter, Daniels noted there was an "there was an imbalance of power" but she was not threatened.

"He was bigger and blocking the way. I was not threatened verbally or physically," Daniels said.

When it was over, Daniels said Trump toold her, "We have to get together again soon."

She said he never expressed any worry about his wife finding out.

May 07, 11:53 AM
'Oh my god' Daniels says of her reaction to Trump on bed

Stormy Daniels said that Trump was on the bed when she came out of the bathroom.

"Mr. Trump had come into the bedroom and was on the bed, basically between myself and the exit," Daniels said.

Trump was wearing his "boxer shorts and T-shirt," she said.

"I felt that the room spun in slow motion. I felt the blood basically leave my hand and feet," Daniels said. "Oh my god, what did I misread to get here."

"What was your reaction to seeing him like that?," Hoffinger asked.

"First I was just startled, like a jump scare," Daniels said.

"I think I blacked out," Daniels said about her memory of the interaction. She affirmed that she was not drinking or on drugs during the exchange.

One juror, who had been writing down notes, looked up from his page and raised his eyebrows as Daniels recalled the sight of Trump on his bed.

Trump motioned to his attorney Susan Necheles to object as Daniels began to describe what transpired before the two became intimate, which she did. The judge summoned both parties to the bench.

The objection is sustained, said the judge.

May 07, 11:46 AM
Daniels describes items in suite's bathroom

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger resumed the direct examination of Stormy Daniels, asking her if she ever used the bathroom during her time in Trump’s suite.

“I did notice the bed was unmade but there were no personal items around,” Daniels said. “There was a leather-looking toiletry bag on the counter.”

Daniels said she snooped in the bag.

“I did look and I am not proud of it,” Daniels said. “The items were Old Spice and Pert Plus. A manicure set, which was gold.”

May 07, 11:42 AM
Court resumes after break

Judge Juan Merchan resumed the proceedings by asking prosecutors to speed up Stormy Daniels' testimony.

"The degree of detail ... is just unnecessary," Merchan said.

Daniels walked back in to the courtroom and again did not look over at Trump.

Trump had his head down, looking at papers on his desk, as she walked by.

May 07, 11:28 AM
'You remind me of my daughter,' Daniels says Trump told her

Stormy Daniels testified that Trump suggested she go on "The Apprentice."

"He told me an idea -- that I should go on his television show," Daniels said.

"I said there was no way [they] would ever let me on TV," Daniels said she responded. "I said, 'Even you don't have that much power.'"

"You remind me of my daughter," Daniels said Trump responded, remaking about how people underestimate her intelligence.

"Approximately how long were you talking, in total, in the suite?" Hoffinger asked.

"Close to two hours. It was a long time," Daniels said.

"Did you sense any red flags?" Hoffinger asked.

"No," she said.

Court then broke for a brief recess. When Daniels exited the courtroom, she walked by Trump on her way out but did not look toward the former president.

Trump appeared to be talking with his lawyers when she walked by.

Trump then exited the courtroom for the mid-morning break, giving a fist-pump as he exited.

May 07, 11:22 AM
'Don’t worry about that,' Daniels says Trump said of Melania

Daniels said the topic of her and Trump's conversation quickly turned to the “business aspects” of the porn industry.

“He asked how I got involved in the adult entertainment company,” Daniels recounted, telling the jurors that she told Trump the same story about entering the industry the jury heard at the start of his testimony.

Daniels said that Trump peppered her with questions.

“Are there any unions? Do you get residuals? How do you get paid? Do you get health insurance?. What about STDs?” Daniels recounted.

Daniels said that Trump specifically asked about her own tests for STDs.

“Every test that I have ever done ... and I have never had a bad test. I never tested positive for anything,” Daniels said.

Judge Merchan asked Daniels to “slow down a little bit so the court reporter can get everything that you’re saying.”

Daniels and Trump also discussed wrestling, including Trump’s televised appearance with Vince McMahon, Daniels said.

“Oh yeah, I made him,” Daniels said eagerly about Trump’s scene with McMahon.

Daniels recalled having a "very brief" conversation with Trump about his wife Melania.

"He showed me a few pictures ... and I said, 'Oh what about your wife?'"

“Oh don't worry about that, we don't sleep in the same room," she said Trump responded.

May 07, 11:18 AM
Daniels says Trump was initially in pajamas

Stormy Daniels testified that Donald Trump was still in his pajamas when she entered his suite.

"He was wearing silk or satin pajamas that I immediately made fun of him for. 'Does Mr. Heffner know you stole his pajamas?" Daniels said.

"I told him to go change and he obliged very politely," Daniels said, noting he retured in a dress shirt and dress pants.

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked Daniels to describe the hotel suite in detail -- a move to possibly corroborate her testimony later.

"This hotel room was three times the size of my apartment," Daniels said.

Daniels has been looking to Hoffinger as she answered her questions, but at times reorients herself toward the jurors, engaging with them and appearing to search for eyes to make contact with. She directs her comments to them when she attempts to explain certain details.

Daniels said that once Trump changed his clothes, they passed the time before their planned dinner by talking at a table in the suite.

"He said it was a bit early. 'Do you mind talking a bit so we can get to know each other?'" Daniels said.

Hoffinger, for a third time, asked Daniels to slow down as she recounted the contents of her conversation with Trump over dinner -- which she called the "general get-to-know-you sort of things."

Daniels said she discussed her upbringing -- including whether she was married or had a boyfriend -- during the discussion.

May 07, 11:11 AM
Daniels recounts going to Trump's hotel room

Jurors were shown the contact information for Trump's bodyguard in Daniels' phone. It is listed as "Keith Trump." Daniels testified she did not know his last name at the time.

"If nothing else you'll get a great story," Daniels recalls her then-publicist telling her when she told him Trump invited her to dinner. Daniels said she reconsidered Trump's invitation after her then-agent encouraged her to join Trump for dinner.

"He said, 'I think you should go. It would make a great story. He is a business guy. What could possibly go wrong?' That was his words to me," Daniels said.

Daniels testimony appears consistent with how she described the interaction in her 2018 book "Full Disclosure."

Daniels said that she went to Trump's Harrah's resort to meet Trump and went directly to his suite per the directions of bodyguard Keith Schiller.

"The door was already open, so I walked right in," Daniels said.

Trump, at the defense table, sat with his head cocked slightly to the left, as Daniels described details from the night they met for dinner at his hotel room.

May 07, 11:03 AM
Daniels identifies Trump in court

Asked to identify Trump in court, Stormy Daniels slightly got up from her chair to see Trump clearly.

"Navy blue jacket, second at the table," Daniels said.

Jurors the saw a series of images, starting with a photo of Trump and Daniels together, in which Donald Trump wears a yellow shirt and red hat. Daniels smiles next to him.

Trump and defense attorney Todd Blanche were reviewing paperwork on the desk and Trump did not did not appear to look up as the photo of Daniels and him flashed on the monitor in front of him.

In the next exhibit, jurors saw a photo of Trump at the golf outing wearing the identical outfit.

Trump attorney Emil Bove, seated at the end of the defense table, whispered a message to Todd Blanche, who then appeared to relay the message to Trump.

Daniels testified that at that meeting, Trump's body guard came to her with a proposal: "That Mr. Trump was interested in having me joining him for dinner"

"F--- no," Daniels said of her reaction, including a bleeped out expression.

"I'm sorry?" Hoffinger asked.

"No," Daniels repeated with a laugh.

May 07, 10:55 AM
Daniels describes meeting Trump on golf course

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, shifting the topic to Trump, asked Daniels about her role at the Lake Tahoe Golf Tournament where Daniels met Trump in 2006.

"Did you meet Donald Trump on the golf course at the celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe?" Hoffinger asked.

"Yes I did," Daniels said. "It was a very brief encounter on the course."

Daniels testified she was 27 when she met Trump.

"I didn't know his age, but I knew he was as old as or older than my father," Daniels said, noting her father was 60. One juror cracked a smile.

Asked what she knew about Trump, Daniels said she knew "he was obviously a golfer and that he had a television show that I had never seen."

Trump, sitting at the defense table, remained stoic, slouched in his chair and averting his gaze from the witness stand. He has been looking down or straight ahead at intervals, seeming to zone out and then return to attention.

May 07, 10:48 AM
Daniels ticks through her film credits

Stormy Daniels testified that she starred in her first adult film at 23 after she traveled to Los Angeles with a friend.

She said she was a background actor in a film when a producer from Wicked Films approached her. Within days she had her first contract.

"I was honestly kind of scared to do it," Daniels said.

Daniels testified about her work producing adult films. She said she has produced over 150 films and won multiple awards.

"I was one of the youngest -- if not the youngest -- featured director," Daniels said.

She also said she was in music videos for Maroon 5 and acted in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up."

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked Daniels twice to slow the pace of her delivery after she raced through her film credentials.

May 07, 10:43 AM
Daniels describes her start as exotic dancer

Stormy Daniels told jurors she began dancing in clubs in high school to make money.

“[A friend] was an exotic dancer and invited me to the club to dance, and they didn’t bother checking my ID,” Daniels said, adding she could make more money in one weekend than she would “shoveling manure eight hours a day.”

Jurors appeared laser focused on Daniels as she described her upbringing -- nobody looking at their monitor, only two people appear to be jotting down notes. Otherwise, all eyes on Daniels.

Daniels testified that she began posing nude in magazines when she was 21 so she could elevate her dancing career.

“If you are just a regular girl in the club ... but if you were like the Playboy centerfold, you were the headliner,” Daniels said.

Trump, meanwhile, has his gaze fixed downward or straight ahead -- nowhere near the witness.

He is exchanging notes with his attorney Todd Blanche.

May 07, 10:39 AM
Daniels begins with details of her background

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger began the questions by asking Stormy Daniels to tell the jury about her life.

"Tell the jury a little bit about your life growing up in Louisiana," Hoffinger asked.

Donald Trump appeared to tilt his head slightly as Stormy Daniels walked by on her way to the witness stand. He then looked disinterested as she recounted her upbringing.

Daniels told the jury about how she was raised by her mother and grew up in a low-income household. She says she edited her high school newspaper and participated in 4-H.

The start of the testimony appears to be an effort to humanize Daniels -- who the jury has heard plenty about -- and make her relatable.

"I'm going to ask you to slow down a little bit," Hoffinger said.

"I have an accent still, sorry," Daniels said.

May 07, 10:35 AM
Stormy Daniels called to the stand

"The People call Stormy Daniels," prosecutors announced, using using her stage name instead of her birth name, Stephanie Clifford.

Daniels entered the courtroom draped in all black and did not glance over at the former president as she ascended the short steps to the witness stand. Trump watched her as she navigated the courtroom.

Daniels said she is testifying pursuant to a subpoena. Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger is leading the questions.

May 07, 10:27 AM
Defense highlights ghostwriters' role in Trump's books

During a redirect examination of Penguin Random House VP Sally Franklin, prosecutors introduced as evidence additional portions from "Trump: How to Get Rich" to highlight Trump's role in writing the book.

"That's what I decided to call it, because whenever I meet people, that's usually what they want to know from me," Trump wrote in "How to Get Rich." "You ask a baker how he makes bread. You ask a billionaire how he makes money."

Franklin also read from the acknowledgements of the book, where Trump thanks his coauthor and editor for knowing him so well -- and the epitaph where Trump quoted his mother.

In court and in filings, defense lawyers have highlighted Trump's minimal role in drafting the books compared to his ghostwriters.

May 07, 10:07 AM
'Always question invoices,' Trump book excerpt says

Penguin Random House VP Sally Franklin continued reading quotes from another Trump book, intended by prosecutors to show in Trump's own words how he allegedly handles his finances.

"I always try to read my bills to make sure I'm not being over charged," an excerpt said.

"Periodically I ask my financial department for what I call my financial small shot," one book read. "If i didn't check up on it regularly, I would be in big financial trouble."

"And I would have no one to blame but myself," the book said.

Jurors appeared engaged as the former president's book covers flashed across the monitors in front of them.

Several jurors were following along as Franklin read the excerpts.

"Always look at the numbers yourself," Franklin read from another book.

And another one from Trump's book "Think Like a Billionaire": "Always question invoices."

Defense attorney Todd Blanche concluded a short cross-examination by emphasizing that Franklin only read from selected pages from a small portion of the books.

May 07, 9:53 AM
Publisher reads quotes from Trump's book

Jurors were shown a photo of the cover of Trump's 2004 book, How to Get Rich: Big Deals from the Star of The Apprentice.

"How many times does the word 'Trump' appear on the cover of this book?" a prosecutor asked Penguin Random House VP Sally Franklin, on the witness stand.

"Three times," Franklin said.

ABC News previously reported about prosecutors' plan to use the quotes from Trump's books against him at trial.

"When somebody hurts you, just go after them as viciously and as violently as you can," Franklin read from the book. "For many years I've said that if someone screws you, screw them back."

May 07, 9:45 AM
Prosecutors call book publisher as first witness

Prosecutors have called Sally Franklin as their first witness.

Franklin works as senior vice president for Penguin Random House.

She is testifying as a custodial witness.

May 07, 9:39 AM
Defense argues against parts of Daniels' planned testimony

Trump attorney Susan Necheles began the proceedings by renewing their request that Judge Juan Merchan preclude parts of Stormy Daniels' planned testimony.

Necheles said that Daniels is expected to be the second witness today.

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger argued that the context of the alleged 2006 sexual encounter between Daniels and Trump are important, though Daniels will not testify about that in detail.

"The details of the encounter, your honor, are important," said Susan Hoffinger. "In terms of a sexual act, it will be very basic ... how she came to have sex and how she felt about it."

"There is just no need for those kinds of details here," Necheles argued. "This case is a case about books and records, and we shouldn't get into how she felt about it, what happened in the room."

Judge Juan Metchan said he would stick with his earlier ruling allowing the testimony, but acknowledged that Daniels had "credibility issues."

"We don't need to know the details of the intercourse," Merchan said. "I agree with you that she had credibility issues."

Trump has denied that he had a sexual encounter with Daniels.

May 07, 9:32 AM
Proceedings are underway

Proceedings are underway for Day 13 of Donald Trump's criminal trial in what is expected to be a dramatic day in the courtroom with the expected testimony of Stormy Daniels.

Trump is, as usual, seated at the defense table alongside his attorneys.

Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles flank the former president, and Emil Bove is at the far end of the table.

May 07, 9:27 AM
Trump enters courtroom

Donald Trump has entered the courtroom, looking at members of the press as he entered.

He is joined by his son Eric Trump and attorney Alina Habba.

May 07, 9:24 AM
Six members of the public are in the courtroom

In addition to approximately 70 members of the press in the courtroom, six members of the public are present in the courtroom to watch today's testimony.

They said they learned about the opportunity to watch the trial over the last few weeks and decided to come see the testimony for themselves. Some traveled from Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Brooklyn to attend the trial.

A court officer repeatedly reminded them not to fall asleep in the courtroom.

May 07, 9:17 AM
Prosecutors arrive in courtroom

Prosecutors for the Manhattan district attorney's office have arrived in the courtroom.

District Attorney Alvin Bragg is not present at this point.

May 07, 9:08 AM
Trump arrives at courthouse

Former President Donald Trump has arrived at the lower Manhattan courthouse ahead of today's proceedings.

Court is scheduled to get underway at 9:30 a.m. ET.

May 07, 8:24 AM
Stormy Daniels to take the stand today, sources say

Stormy Daniels, one of the state's star witnesses, is scheduled to take the stand today, according to sources.

The decision to call Daniels as a witness allows the jury to directly hear from the woman at the center of Trump's criminal trial.

Prosecutors argue that Trump -- still reeling from the release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape in October 2016 -- orchestrated a last-minute $130,000 hush money payment through his then-lawyer Michael Cohen in exchange for Daniels' silence about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump, which the former president has denied took place.

When Trump repaid Cohen in 2017, prosecutors allege Trump falsified business records to hide the hush money payment from voters.

While the alleged criminal conduct centers on the falsification of business records, Daniels' alleged encounter with Trump and negotiations through her former lawyer Keith Davidson are likely to be discussed during her testimony.

May 07, 8:08 AM
Trump posts about next witness, then deletes post

In a post to his social media platform this morning, former President Trump wrote, "I have just recently been told who the witness is today. This is unprecedented, no time for lawyers to prepare."

He then deleted the post a short time later.

Prosecutors at the start of the trial asked for and received permission from Judge Juan Merchan to not reveal the identity of witnesses in the case until just before they're scheduled to appear, in order to avoid them being targeted by remarks from Trump, who is under a limited gag order not to make statements about witnesses, jurors and others involved in the case.

"The defendant has been violating the order restricting extrajudicial speech, and we don't want to have the next witnesses' names out there," prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said yesterday about Trump, who was fined an additional $1,000 by the judge for violating the limited gag order for a 10th time.

May 07, 7:39 AM
Proceedings to get underway on Day 13

Proceedings will get underway this morning on Day 13 of former President Trump's criminal hush money trial.

Two longtime Trump Organization employees took the stand yesterday to testify about their roles in executing a string of 2017 payments to Michael Cohen in order to reimburse him for a $130,000 hush payment to Stormy Daniels.

Jurors for the first time saw the business records associated with those transactions, which prosecutors say were unlawfully falsified to hide their true purpose from voters.

Prosecutors told the judge at the end of the day that the state's case will likely take another two weeks to complete. That will be followed by the defense's case, and then the state's rebuttal.

May 06, 4:54 PM
Trump, leaving court, says he would 'sacrifice' jail for 'Constitution'

As he departed the courtroom after Day 12 of his hush money trial, Trump expressed confidence in his defense team saying they are doing "very well."

Asked about the trial's timeline after prosecutors advised Judge Merchan that they expect to wrap their case two weeks from tomorrow, Trump told reporters, "The government just says that they want you three more weeks ... that means they want to keep me off the trail for two to three weeks now."

"I thought they were going to be finished today. And they want to do three more weeks in jujitsu and play right into the judges," Trump complained. "The judges are happy about doing three more weeks."

After being warned this morning by Judge Merchan that any future violations of the limited gag order could result in jail time, the former president continued to criticize the gag order that prevents him from targeting witnesses, jurors and others involved in the case.

"I have to watch every word I tell you people -- you asked me a question, a simple question, I'd like to give it, but I can't talk about it because this judge has given me this gag order say you'll go to jail if you violate it," Trump said. "And frankly, you know what, our Constitution is much more important than jail. It's not even close. I'll do that sacrifice any day."

May 06, 4:35 PM
DA's case should take two more weeks followed by defense's case

Before Judge Merchan ended the proceedings for the day, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass flagged that the DA's office plans to recall a previous witness: Manhattan DA paralegal Georgia Longstreet.

According to Steinglass, Longstreet would testify about some additional social media posts from Trump, and text messages between National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard and Stormy Daniels' agent Gina Rodriguez.

Merchan consented to the plan, as long as defense lawyers get 24 hours' notice before calling Longstreet. She will likely testify again on Thursday or Friday, Steinglass said.

Steinglass also raised concerns about defense attorneys' complaints about the limited notice about the next witness and their relevant exhibits.

"I don't like the impression being left that we are somehow sandbagging the defense," Steinglass said, defending the practice of not disclosing their next witness, given Trump's recent violations of the case's limited gag order.

"The defendant has been violating the order restricting extrajudicial speech, and we don't want to have the next witnesses' names out there," Steinglass said.

"How are we doing on scheduling?" Merchan asked to conclude the day.

Steinglass told Judge Juan Merchan that the state's case will likely conclude two weeks from tomorrow.

"I would say about two more weeks," he said.

The defense's case will then follow.

May 06, 4:17 PM
Tarasoff says she never felt Trump was hiding anything

With the introduction of People's exhibit 34, a check with Donald Trump's signature, the jury has now seen all 34 allegedly falsified invoices, ledger entries and checks, concluding the direct testimony of Trump Organization staffer Deborah Tarasoff.

Defense attorney Todd Blanche then carried out a brief cross-examination, during which Trump readjusted in his chair to get a better view of Tarasoff.

"You never had any reason to believe President Trump was hiding anything, correct?" Blanche asked Tarasoff at the end of his cross.

"Correct," she answered.

Tarasoff then stepped off the witness stand. Trump looked over toward her as she exited the courtroom, but the two did not interact.

Like earlier, Tarasoff smiled at Eric Trump on her way out of the courtroom.

Judge Juan Merchan then sent the jury home for the day.

May 06, 4:05 PM
Jurors review evidence as Tarasoff details Cohen's invoices

As she reentered the courtroom after the mid-afternoon break, longtime Trump Organization staffer Deborah Tarasoff, who still works at the company, patted the hand of Eric Trump, who is seated in the front row of the spectators' gallery.

Tarasoff's direct examination resumed, with jurors continuing to pay close attention to her testimony.

As she walked the jury through each of Michael Cohen's invoices and the resulting ledger entries and checks -- which comprise the 34 counts of the DA's indictment -- the jury members shifted their attention between Tarasoff at the witness stand, the exhibits on the screen in front of them, and prosecutor Christopher Conroy.

Many of the jurors continued to take notes as they thoroughly examined the exhibits.

Trump, sitting at the defense table, was similarly engaged with the testimony, occasionally conferring with his lawyers and examining the evidence.

May 06, 3:26 PM
Tarasoff says 'legal expenses' label came from invoice

Trump Organization accounts payable supervisor Deborah Tarasoff walked the jurors through the process for processing the invoices and checks for Michael Cohen in 2017.

The process generally began with an email from controller Jeffrey McConney, who approved the expenses.

"Please pay. Post to same g/l as last month," McConney said in his email from March 2017.

"Please pay," McConney emailed Tarasoff in April.

Jurors then saw the invoice processed on the Trump Organization's general ledger, labeled as "legal expenses."

"Where did that come from?" prosecutor Christopher Conroy asked.

"I put that in. It came from the invoice," Tarasoff said.

For checks from the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, two people -- from among either Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Allen Weisselberg -- signed the check. For the checks from Donald Trump's personal account, Donald Trump had to sign the check himself.

Some of the jurors appeared to be attentive during this testimony, watching Tarasoff explain the exhibits displayed on the screen in front of them. Others sat passively, some with their arms crossed, as the testimony continued.

May 06, 3:06 PM
Tarasoff says Cohen's checks were sent to White House to be signed

Trump Organization accounts payable supervisor Deborah Tarasoff told jurors that she processed Michael Cohen's invoices in the same manner she would process any other invoice.

"The same way everything was processed," Tarasoff said, noting that she began processing the invoices once she got an approval email.

"Do you remember who you would get those emails from?" Conroy asked. .

"Jeffrey McConney," Tarasoff said.

The only change in the protocol, according to Tarasoff, was that the checks from Trump's personal account would need to be signed by Trump in Washington, D.C., so another employee would mail the check to the White House by Federal Express, Tarasoff said.

"We would send them to the White House for him to sign," Tarasoff said.

"Even when he was in DC, no one else had authority to sign the checks?" Conroy asked.

"That's right," Tarasoff said.

May 06, 3:00 PM
Trump rejected checks he didn't want to sign, Tarasoff says

Prosecutors appear to be trying to used Trump Organization accounts payable supervisor Deborah Tarasoff to portray Donald Trump as more than a passive player in the alleged scheme to hide Michael Cohen's repayments from authorities.

The defense has suggested Trump is a multi-tasker who would blindly sign stacks of checks while doing untold numbers of other things. But Tarasoff said Trump would sometimes reject checks.

"If he didn't want to sign it he didn't sign it," Tarasoff said.

"Did you ever see a time when he didn't sign a check?" prosecutor Chris Conroy asked.

"He would write void on it and send it back," Tarasoff responded, noting Trump's distinctive signature using a black Sharpie. "That's what he uses," she said, drawing on her 24 years of experience at the Trump Organization.

May 06, 2:56 PM
Tarasoff says CFO generally ran decisions by Trump

As the accounts payable supervisor at the Trump Organization, Deborah Tarasoff described her responsibilities in this way: "I get approved bills, I enter them in the system, and I cut the checks."

That type of response -- using as few words as she can -- seems in line with her other commentary from the stand. Tarasoff has a terse sensibility.

"Do you have any sense of how many entities make up the Trump Organization?" prosecutor Christopher Conroy asked her.

"There's a bunch," she said.

Asked to describe the general ledger, she said: "That's where everything goes into and they keep track of things."

Conroy established early in his questioning that she did not necessarily have regular exposure to Donald Trump, but was an important cog in the machine of the Trump Organization -- particularly as it pertains to the allegations in this trial.

"Did you just follow instructions?" Conroy asked.

"Yes," she said.

Tarasoff told jurors that any expenses over $10,000 would need to get direct approval from either Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. or Eric. Trump.

Tarasoff added that at the time of the events in question, Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg generally ran decisions by Trump directly.

May 06, 2:35 PM
Trump watches as another longtime employee takes stand

As Deborah Tarasoff took the witness stand, Donald Trump watched expressionless as another one of his longtime employees began her testimony.

Unlike controller Jeffrey McConney, who testified this morning, Tarasoff remains an employee of the Trump Organization, where she has worked for 24 years.

Tarasoff, whose legal bills are being footed by the Trump Organization, is being questioned by prosecutor Christopher Conroy.

May 06, 2:25 PM
Longtime Trump employee Deborah Tarasoff to take stand

All parties are back in the courtroom for the day's afternoon session, where prosecutors are preparing to call longtime Trump Organization employee Deborah Tarasoff as their next witness.

Tarasoff worked as an accounts payable supervisor at the Trump Organization when Michael Cohen submitted invoices in 2017 to be reimbursed for the hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels. A direct report to controller Jeffrey McConney, Tarasoff processed and labeled the invoices as "legal expenses."

In his opening statement, defense attorney Todd Blanche argued that Tarasoff was just following orders when she labeled the invoices.

Before Tarasoff takes the stand, defense lawyers are first objecting to the evidence prosecutors plan to introduce during her testimony.

May 06, 1:45 PM
Jurors appear engaged with accounting testimony

The day's morning session was marked by laborious testimony about invoices, legers, and tax documents -- but the jurors appeared surprisingly engaged following two weeks of testimony involving sex scandals and crisis management.

Many jurors this morning took copious notes and looked back and forth at witness Jeff McConney on the stand and the lawyers questioning him.

When the handwritten notes on Michael Cohen's repayments appeared on the courtroom monitors, many jurors appeared lasered in. One juror placed their elbow on the armrest and rested their head on their hand, staring intently into the monitor in front of them.

But as testimony stretched into hours, and prosecutors put accounting document after accounting document onto the screen, at least some jurors' minds appeared to wander. One juror rubbed his eyes and another slumped down in his seat, rested his cheek in his palm and sighed deeply.

"What is a 1099?" a prosecutor asked at one point, prompting a juror to rub his forehead tightly.

May 06, 1:04 PM
Under re-direct, McConney says he was following orders

Before ending his cross-examination, defense attorney Emil Bove attempted to pour cold water on a small narrative element prosecutors advanced about the location of handwritten notes containing arithmetic related to the reimbursing of Michael Cohen.

Then-CFO Allen Weisselberg, who jotted down the notes, ordered McConney to put the notes in a locked cabinet, McConney said earlier, suggesting that the document was intended to remain secret.

But Bove argued that "the reason that cabinet was locked was because the payroll book" was inside of it, containing sensitive information about employee salaries, bonuses and social security numbers.

"It's not that these notes were particularly sensitive," Bove said. "You locked the drawer to keep that sort of sensitive information secure?"

Furthermore, Bove asked, "Isn't it a fact that most of the drawers in your office were locked?"

McConney confirmed this, and said he had "a lot of sensitive information" in his office.

During a brief re-direct examination, prosecutors attempted to distance McConney from the agreement to reimburse Cohen for the Stormy Daniels payment and suggest that McConney was just following orders.

"Did you participate in any conversations with Mr. Trump, Mr. Cohen and Mr. Weisselberg?" prosecutor Matthew Colangelo asked.

"No sir," McConney said.

"This was all happening above your head?" Colangelo asked.

"Yes," McConney said.

"You were told something and you did it?" the prosecutor asked.

"Yes," McConney responded.

Court subsequently recessed for the lunch break.

May 06, 12:53 PM
Defense suggests Trump's company faced risk from bad publicity

During a rapid-fire series of questions during his cross-examination of former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney, defense attorney Emil Bove suggested that the Trump Organization faced a business risk stemming from bad publicity.

"There was a very real commercial risk to adverse publicity?" Bove asked McConney after listing some of the Trump Organization's international holdings.

"I am not a marketing person -- it's hard for me to answer that question," McConney responded.

McConney later conceded that negative publicity could be "bad for business."

The line of questioning suggests the defense team could be planning to advance the argument that the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election was done to protect Trump's business.

Defense lawyers have previously explained the arrangement as Trump attempting to shield his family from Daniel's allegations that she and Trump had a sexual encounter.

May 06, 12:44 PM
McConney says 'legal expenses' were 'part of a drop-down menu'

While prosecutors say the use of the phrase "legal expenses" to repay Michael Cohen for the Stormy Daniels hush payment amounted to an effort conceal the true nature of the payments, Trump attorney Emil Bove on cross-examination sought to frame that categorization as merely the results of the Trump Organization's "antiquated" internal payment system.

Legal expenses were "part of a drop down menu?" Bove asked former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney.

"Yes," McConney answered.

[The system] was a bit antiquated?," Bove asked.

"Yes," McConney said.

"These categories, there was a level of rigidity to them?," Bove asked.

"Yes," McConney replied.

"So if you are talking about payments to an attorney, legal expenses was the category that was used?" Bove asked.

"Yes," McConney said.

May 06, 12:27 PM
On cross, McConney says Trump didn't direct setup of repayments

Following the direct examination of former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney, the defense began its cross-examination by laying out one of Donald Trump's strongest defense arguments.

"Michael Cohen was a lawyer?" defense attorney Emil Bove asked McConney.

"Sure, yes," McConney said.

"And payments to lawyers by the Trump Organization are legal expenses, right?" asked Bove.

"Yes," said McConney.

"President Trump did not ask you to do any of the things you just described ... correct?" Bove asked.

"He did not," McConney replied.

"And as far as you know, President Trump did not ask anyone to do those things?" Bove continued, before an objection.

"In none of the conversations that you had with Mr. Weisselberg, did he suggest that President Trump had told him to do these things?" Bove asked again.

"Allen never told me that," McConney said.

May 06, 12:16 PM
As McConney testifies, his longtime boss sits in jail

Over the course of Jeffrey McConney's testimony, the former Trump Organization controller has repeatedly invoked the name of his longtime boss, Allen Weisselberg, when describing the conduct and the paper trail underpinning prosecutors' theory of the case.

He and Weisselberg ate lunch every day, McConney testified, and their offices sat beside each other in Trump Tower. At one point during his testimony, McConney said he recognized Weisselberg's penmanship on a key exhibit because "I've read his handwriting for about 35 years."

But as McConney testifies, Weisselberg sits in jail -- one month into a five-month sentence after pleading guilty to two felony counts of perjury for lying under oath during his testimony in former President Trump's civil fraud trial and during the investigation that preceded it.

Weisselberg is not expected to testify at this trial.

May 06, 12:10 PM
Jurors see tax forms Trump Organization filed for payments

Jurors saw the tax forms that the Trump Organization submitted to the Internal Revenue Service related to Michael Cohen's reimbursement.

Jurors saw two 1099 forms -- one for the $105,000 from Trump's trust and another for the $315,000 paid from Trump's personal account.

Former Trump Organization controller Jeff McConney testified that that the company doubled Michael Cohen's repayment to compensate for the expected taxes he would owe on the payments.

May 06, 11:53 AM
Per document, 9 of 12 payments came from Trump's personal account

Following the mid-morning break, former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney's testimony resumed and jurors were shown a spreadsheet called -- a query voucher -- that documents the twelve $35,000 payments made to Michael Cohen in 2017.

According to the exhibit, three of the payments came from Donald Trump's trust account, totaling $105,000.

The remaining nine payments were made through Donald Trump's personal account, totaling $315,000.

May 06, 11:25 AM
Jury shown remaining invoices for Cohen repayment

In a dry, repetitive manner, jurors were shown the invoices that Michael Cohen sent to the Trump Organization to request payment for legal services pursuant to a retainer agreement -- which in reality were repayments to cover his hush payment to Stormy Daniels.

The 11 invoices comprise 11 of the 34 criminal counts Trump faces.

Former Trump Organization controller Jeff McConney paged through exhibits showing emails and invoices for each month over the course of the repayment schedule.

May 06, 11:15 AM
McConney suggests Trump signed Cohen checks in White House

Former Trump Organization controller Jeff McConney testified that the Trump Organization switched from cutting Michael Cohen's checks from the company trust account to cutting them from Donald Trump's personal account when Trump was the president and living and in Washington, D.C. -- something that presented a challenge.

That led to testimony that suggested checks were sent to the White House while Trump was the sitting president.

"What did that mean?" the prosecutor asked McConney.

"Somehow we would have to get a package down to the White House," McConney responded, having testified earlier that Trump was the only person who could sign checks from his personal account.

"DJT needs to sign check" McConney worte in one email that was shown to the jury.

"The check was drawn out of President Trump's personal account," McConney said. "We had to get it down to the White House for the president to sign it."

May 06, 11:07 AM
Jurors see 1st invoice for Cohen's repayment

Former Trump Organization controller Jeff McConney testified that Michael Cohen emailed an invoice to McConney for payment, which was displayed on screen for the jurors, marking the first time the jurors have seen one of the 34 records charged in this case.

"Just a reminder to get me the invoices you spoke to Allan about," McConney had emailed Cohen.

"[Cohen] typed an invoice into his response email," McConney testified.

The invoice Cohen sent was ultimately sent to and approved by then-CFO Allan Weisselberg, McConney testified.

In an email shown to the jury, Weisslberg clearly wrote: "ok to pay as per agreement with Don and Eric."

Eric Trump, in the front row of the gallery, nodded yes repeatedly as the email flashed on screen.

May 06, 10:59 AM
Jury sees paper trail detailing Cohen repayment plan

The jury was shown the paper trail of handwritten notes from both controller Jeff McConney McConney and CFO Allen Weisselberg memorializing the repayment to Michael Cohen for his handling of the Stormy Daniels payment.

First, the jury saw a paper statement from Essential Consultants LLC, the shell company Cohen created to pay Daniels. Weisselberg had marked up the account with handwritten notes to outline the repayment plan.

Jurors also saw McConney's notes on Trump-branded letterhead. They largely matched the repayment plan outlined by Weisselberg, with some additional reminders, such as " x2 for taxes" regarding the plan to double the repayment to compensate for the taxes Cohen would owed on the payment.

Last, jurors saw an email dated Feb. 6, 2017, from McConney to Cohen with the subject line "$$."

"Just a reminder to get me those invoices you spoke to Allen about," McConney wrote in the email.

"I sent Michael an email to send us the invoices -- at least the invoice for that month," McConney testified.

May 06, 10:48 AM
McConney's notes show Cohen's repayment schedule

Former Trump Organization controller Jeff McConney's handwritten notes from a conversation with then-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg memorialize a monthly reimbursement schedule to Michael Cohen that prosecutors allege was ultimately falsified to keep voters in the dark about the hush payment to Stormy Daniels.

"We were going to wire the funds monthly from Mr. Trump's personal account," McConney said.

Cohen was to be paid $35,000 each month for twelve months. "That was just math," McConney said.

McConney calculated the monthly payment based the $130,000 wire to Keith Davidson, Daniels' attorney, plus $50,000 to the IT consulting company Red Finch.

Cohen doubled the $180,000 total.

"Michael recorded $360,000 for tax purposes," McConney said. There was an addition $60,000 to be paid as a bonus after "Michael was complaining his bonus wasn't large enough."

May 06, 10:34 AM
McConney says Weisselberg told him about reimbursing Cohen

Former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney testified about how he learned about the need to reimburse Michael Cohen in 2017.

"Allen [Weisselberg, the CFO] said, 'We have to get some money to Michael -- reimburse Michael," McConney said. "He tossed a pad toward me and I started taking notes on what he said. That's how I found out about it."

McConney said that the money included Cohen's bonus for the year and "some other money he was owed." Prosecutors allege that the payment reimbursed Cohen in part for his $130,000 hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

Asked to describe Cohen's role in the company, McConney responded, "He said he was a lawyer."

May 06, 10:27 AM
McConney says only Trump could sign personal checks

Former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney testified that Donald Trump was the only one who could sign checks that were cut from his personal checking account.

"Who had signature authority for checks from the DJT account?," he was asked.

"Just President Trump," McConney responded.

But McConney also testified that in 2017 there were multiple individuals who could have signed checks that cut from the revocable trust, including Eric Trump and then-CFO Allan Weisselberg.

"For checks under $10,000 any of them [could sign]," McConney said. "Over $10,000 needed two signatures"

Eric Trump, who is seated in the first row, did not react when his name was repeatedly mentioned from the witness stand. He continued staring at the monitor to his left.

May 06, 10:21 AM
McConney tells story of Trump saying, 'You're fired'

Trump once told McConney, "You're fired" -- but it was just a "teaching moment," the former Trump Organization controller testified.

McConney shared an anecdote from early in his tenure at the Trump Organization, in the late 1980s -- which might have foreshadowed the iconic catchphrase Trump later brandished on his reality TV show, The Apprentice.

"I would hand-deliver the [cash position] report to him once a week," McConney explained.

On one of those occasions, McConney said he entered Trump's office while Trump was on the phone. After he dropped off the report, McConney said he turned to leave. Trump asked whoever he was on the phone with to "hold on."

"Jeff, you're fired," he said Trump told him, before turning back to his conversation on the phone.

McConney said he waited until Trump rang off. When he did, he said, "Jeff, you're not fired. But my cash balances went down since last week."

"It was a teaching moment," McConney said. "Just because someone is asking for money, negotiate with 'em, talk to 'em -- don't just do it mindlessly."

Trump, sitting at the defense table, appeared to flash a smile as McConney relayed the anecdote.

May 06, 10:08 AM
McConney says he worked daily with CFO Allen Weisselberg

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo began his questioning of former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney, who is testifying under subpoena. McConney said the Trump Organization is paying for his attorneys in this matter.

McConney, who oversaw the company's general ledger and managed the accounting department, told jurors that he directly reported to Allen Weisselberg, the former Trump Organization CFO, from "the day I was hired until the day he left."

McConney told jurors that he interacted with Weisselberg on a daily basis.

"Other than having lunch everyday, whenever I needed to. His office was next to mine," McConney said.
 

May 06, 9:53 AM
DA calls ex-Trump Organization comptroller as next witness

Prosecutors have called as their next witness Jeffrey McConney, the former longtime controller at the Trump Organization.

McConney served as the Trump Organization’s controller for over 20 years before leaving the company with a $500,000 severance payment amid multiple criminal and civil investigations. He was among the Trump Organization executives who, along with Trump himself, was found liable earlier this year for committing a decade of business fraud.

Prosecutors have said he allegedly received and processed nearly a dozen fraudulent invoices from Michael Cohen to reimburse him for paying Stormy Daniels a $130,000 hush money payment just days ahead of the 2016 election.

May 06, 9:38 AM
Judge again holds Trump in contempt, threatens jail time

Judge Juan Merchan has found former President Trump violated the limited gag in the case for a 10th time and has held him in contempt.

"I find you in criminal contempt for the 10th time," Merchan said.

Merchan said that the $1,000 dollar fines per violation "are not serving as a deterrent" and threatened to jail Trump moving forward.

"Mr. Trump, last thing I want to do is put you in jail, you are the former president of the United States, and possibly the next president as well," Merchan said, directly addressing Trump.

"At the end of the day I have a job to do," Merchan said.

May 06, 9:30 AM
Trump enters courtroom

Trump has entered the courtroom, carrying a stack of papers in his hand.

The former president is joined for the second time by his son Eric Trump, who is sitting in the front row of the gallery next to Trump lawyer Alina Habba, who is in court for the first time.

Prosecutors have also filed into the courtroom.

May 06, 7:36 AM
3rd week of testimony to begin

The third week of testimony in former President Trump's criminal hush money trial gets underway this morning.

Jurors on Friday heard the completion of Hope Hicks' testimony, as the former top Trump aide recounted the 2016 Trump campaign's reaction to the release of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, and also said she felt it would have been out of character for Michael Cohen to have made the $130,000 Stormy Daniels hush money payment on his own.

The trial is scheduled to resume this morning with testimony from the prosecution's next witness.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- At least 17 tornadoes were reported in seven states overnight into Tuesday morning, as the tornado threat continues Wednesday for parts of the country.

The twisters were reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee and South Dakota.

One of the hardest-hit areas in the storm was Barnsdall, Oklahoma, north of Tulsa. One person was killed and several injured, according to Barnsdall Mayor Johnny Kelley.

Kelley said there was "significant damage" to much of the small town, including several homes that were "completely leveled" and a nursing home that was destroyed.

"We need a lot of prayers," Kelley told reporters during a press briefing following the tornado.

Approximately 25 people were rescued following an initial search, Kelley said. One person remains unaccounted for as another search effort got underway Tuesday, he said. Access to the town was closed while authorities conducted the search.

The destructive tornado was the second to hit Barnsdall in recent weeks.

"It's a devastating blow to the people in the community," Kelley said. "It's going to be life-changing."

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, had issued the highest-possible severe weather risk alert for multiple intense, long-track tornadoes Monday afternoon and evening.

The tornado threat moves into Ohio Valley and parts of the southern Great Lakes Wednesday afternoon and evening. The highest tornado threat will be from St. Louis to Paducah, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana, to Nashville, Tennessee.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear urged residents to prepare for the severe weather -- including "potentially significant tornadoes," flooding, hail and high winds -- expected to hit much of the state over the next few days.

"We have been through all of those and we have seen how deadly they can be," Beshear said during a press briefing Tuesday. "So we need everyone to take action now by making a plan to keep yourself and your family safe."

ABC News' Kenton Gewecke and Melissa Griffin contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(AUSTIN) -- Five people have been arrested after dozens of people overdosed in Austin last week, leading to nine suspected deaths.

The Austin Police Department said Marcellus Barron, 30; Denise Horton, 47; Gary Lewis, 50; Ronnie Mims, 45; and Kanady Rimjo, 32, were arrested and charged with possession or delivery of a controlled substance, according to local ABC News affiliate KVUE.

Police said they located the suspects by investigating the source of the narcotics used in the recent overdoses, KVUE reported. The drugs included marijuana and crack cocaine laced with fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most cases involving fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the U.S. have been associated with illegally made fentanyl, the CDC said. It is often sold through illegal drug markets and mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, to increase its effects.

Starting around 9 a.m. ET on Monday, April 29, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) said it received a surge of calls concentrated in the downtown area.

ATCEMS said it usually receives two or three overdose calls per day, but the number of calls equated to a 1,000% increase in call volume, Dr. Heidi Abraham, deputy medical director for ATCEMS, said last week during a press conference.

As of Monday, there were 79 reported overdoses and ATCEMS distributed 438 Narcan rescue kits. Narcan is given as a nasal spray and the active ingredient in the medication -- naloxone -- can quickly restore breathing if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose.

Police say a sixth person, 55-year-old Johnny Lee Wright, was arrested after surveillance video captured him delivering narcotics to Austin residents, KVUE reported. According to the APD, Wright has several previous felony convictions, including some related to narcotics.

APD did not immediately return ABC News' request for comment.

A record number of Americans have died from drug overdoses. In 2022, there were nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths, according to provisional data from the CDC.

In Texas, drug poisoning-related deaths for 2022 sit at 15.4 per 100,000 people, which is the highest rate since at least 2011, according to provisional data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- The double murder trial of Richard Allen -- accused of killing two teenage girls in Delphi, Indiana, in 2017 -- has been delayed several months, less than a week before jury selection was to begin.

In a pretrial motions hearing Tuesday morning, defense attorneys for Allen withdrew their motion for a speedy trial, citing concerns over having enough time to present their case.

The trial was scheduled to begin May 13, and was expected to last three weeks.

The defense estimated they needed 15 working days to present their case and felt the May window was not long enough, so they withdrew their motion filed earlier this year.

The trial's new start date was set for Oct. 14.

On Feb. 13, 2017, best friends Abby Williams, 13, and Libby German, 14, were enjoying a day off from school in their hometown of Delphi, a quiet, small town of nearly 3,000 residents in central Indiana.

They were on a hiking trail, walking, chatting and snapping photos, when they disappeared.

Their bodies were found the next day.

For more than five years, the case remained unsolved, haunting Delphi residents.

No suspect was named in the murders until Allen was arrested in October 2022.

Allen admitted to police that he was on the trail that day, but he denied any involvement in the murders, according to court documents.

Police analysis of Allen's gun determined that the unspent round discovered within 2 feet of one of the victims "had been cycled through Richard M. Allen's Sig Sauer Model P226," the probable cause affidavit said.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- Stormy Daniels, one of the prosecutor's star witnesses, is scheduled to take the stand Tuesday, sources told ABC News.

The decision to call Daniels, who acted in adult films, as a witness allows the jury to hear from the woman at the center of former President Donald Trump's criminal trial.

Prosecutors argue that Trump -- still reeling from the release of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape in October 2016 -- orchestrated a last-minute $130,000 hush money payment through his then-lawyer Michael Cohen in exchange for Daniels' silence about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump, which the former president has denied took place.

When Trump repaid Cohen in 2017, prosecutors allege Trump falsified business records to hide the hush money payment from voters.

While the alleged criminal conduct centers on the falsification of business records, Daniels' alleged encounter with Trump and negotiations through her former lawyer Keith Davidson are likely to be discussed during her testimony.

In her 2018 book, Daniels wrote that she first met Trump at a celebrity golf outing in Lake Tahoe, California, on July 13, 2006. Daniels alleges that Trump invited her for dinner and to his suite, where they had sex after discussing the possibility of casting her on "The Apprentice."

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, said she kept in touch with Trump over the following year, meeting him on at least four additional occasions, including visiting Trump Tower. Trump's longtime executive assistant Rhonda Graff testified about spotting Daniels in Trump Tower when Trump was considering casting her in "The Apprentice."

Daniels only alleges her first meeting with Trump was a sexual encounter and the relationship ended when Trump told her she would not be cast on "The Apprentice."

"Life goes on," Daniels wrote in her book Full Disclosure. "It's easy to move on from bad sex with a billionaire and his fizzled plan to game out his reality show competition."

Daniels alleges she last heard from Trump in 2008 when he called her to explain why another porn star made an appearance on the "Celebrity Apprentice."

"He was freaking out that I would be furious that the show had let another porn star on when he couldn't get me on, " Daniels said.

When allegations of her affair with Trump arose in 2011 and 2016, Daniels said her former lawyer Davidson and agent Gina Rodriguez handled most of the negotiating, including the October 2016 negotiation with Cohen for the rights to her story.

"Keith handed me a seventeen-page nondisclosure agreement and they opened the trunk so I could sign it right there under the light," Daniels wrote in her book, suggesting she preferred the story never come out for her own safety.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys have offered jurors competing views on the relevance of Daniels' testimony in the case.

According to prosecutors, Michael Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 just days ahead of the 2016 election for her silence, and Trump falsified business recordings in 2017 when he reimbursed Cohen.

"Cohen made that payment at the defendant's direction, and he did it to influence the presidential election," prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told jurors in his opening statement.

Defense lawyers have denied that Trump ever had a relationship with Daniels and argued that the adult film star extorted Trump in the days ahead of the 2016 elections.

"Michael Cohen paying Stormy Daniels or Stephanie Clifford $130,000 in exchange for her agreeing to not publicly spread false claims about President Trump is not illegal," defense lawyer Todd Blanche told jurors. "It was sinister, and it was an attempt to try to embarrass President Trump, to embarrass his family."

In the months before the trial, defense lawyers had attempted to convince Judge Juan Merchan to limit Daniels' testimony, arguing the adult film star would prejudice the jury with the salacious details of her allegations. Merchan disagreed with defense lawyers and allowed Daniels to testify, citing her relevance to the chain of events leading to the falsification of business records.

"Locating and purchasing the information from Daniels not only completes the narrative of events that precipitated the falsification of business records but is also probative of the Defendant's intent," Judge Merchan wrote in a pre-trial ruling.

Daniels has since spoken publicly about her desire to testify at the trial.

"I'm absolutely ready. I've been ready. I'm hoping with all of my heart that they call me because ... I don't need someone to speak for me," Daniels told ABC's The View. "I relish the day that I get to face him and speak my truth."

Trump's lawyers have attempted to downplay Daniels' significance, telling jurors that her testimony "does not matter" because she can't speak to the allegations of falsifying business records.

"Her testimony, while salacious, does not matter," Blanche told jurors in his opening statement.

Daniels' credibility is likely to be a central point of her testimony, and defense lawyers are expected to lead a lengthy cross examination of the adult-film star. Daniels issued multiple denials of her affair with Trump, including a 2018 statement drafted by her former lawyer Keith Davidson that she later retracted. Daniels also attempted to sue Trump for defamation in 2018, but a judge tossed the case and ordered Daniels to pay Trump's legal fees. Daniels' former lawyer Michael Avenatti has been convicted of multiple federal crimes, including stealing money from the adult film actress.

Daniels has maintained her credibility as a witness and insists that her allegations about Trump have been consistent because they are true.

"Why is it the same story? Because I'm telling the truth, and I haven't changed my story," Daniels told The View. "Those details are burned into my soul forever."

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- Protests have broken out at colleges and universities across the country in connection with the war in Gaza.

Many pro-Palestinian protesters are calling for their colleges to divest of funds from Israeli military operations, while some Jewish students on the campuses have called the protests antisemitic and said they are scared for their safety.

The student protests -- some of which have turned into around-the-clock encampments -- have erupted throughout the nation following arrests and student removals at Columbia University in New York City. Students at schools including Yale University, New York University, Harvard University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California and more have launched protests.

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

May 07, 6:59 AM
Police begin dismantling encampment at University of Chicago

Police entered an encampment at the University of Chicago early Tuesday and began dismantling it, according to WLS-TV, ABC News’ Chicago station.

May 06, 10:30 PM
LAPD detective to assist UCLA investigation into attack on protesters

UCLA's Chancellor Gene Block said Monday that a detective from the LAPD will join the school's investigation to identify those who were involved in violence against pro-Palestinian protesters on campus last week.

The law enforcement investigation at UCLA is being led by Associate Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel. Its goal is to "identify the perpetrators of the violence and hold them to account," Block said in a note to the community.

Block said that they have reached out to the FBI for "possible assistance," as well as Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón over prosecution.

May 06, 7:33 PM
MIT protesters resist leaving encampment on campus

Protesters at Massachusetts Institute of Technology are resisting orders to leave the encampment on Monday.

Footage from the scene shows protesters toppling the barriers, surrounding the encampment and linking arms.

This comes after MIT President Sally Kornbluth gave students until 2:30 p.m. ET to leave the encampment on campus.

The encampment on MIT's campus, on the Kresge lawn, has been ongoing for more than two weeks, according to Kornbluth.

May 06, 4:50 PM
MIT students ordered to leave campus encampment

In a message to the campus community Monday, Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Sally Kornbluth gave students until 2:30 p.m. to leave the encampment on campus.

However, protesters remained in the area until after the deadline. It's unclear if police will move in and make arrests.

"In short, this prolonged use of MIT property as a venue for protest, without permission, especially on an issue with such sharp disagreement, is no longer safely sustainable," Kornbluth said.

The encampment on MIT’s campus, on the Kresge lawn, has been ongoing for more than two weeks, according to Kornbluth.

May 06, 2:58 PM
More than 60 arrests made at UC San Diego

Police moved in on an encampment at the University of California, San Diego early Monday morning, dismantling it and arresting 64 people, according to authorities.

There were 40 students among those arrested, with officials saying they "have been or will be placed under immediate interim suspension."

All classes were moved to remote learning and nonessential personnel were asked to remain home.

May 06, 12:48 PM
Dozens of protesters detained at UCLA

Several dozen protesters were detained on UCLA’s campus Monday morning, according to Los Angeles ABC station KABC.

University officials said classes and work scheduled to take place in the school’s Moore Hall building would be held remotely “due to ongoing disruptions,” and police would be stationed around campus.

May 06, 12:00 PM
Harvard president threatens 'involuntary leave' for students who continue encampment

Harvard University students who continue to take part in the pro-Palestinian protest encampment at the school will be “referred for involuntary leave,” the university’s interim president, Alan M. Garber, said Monday.

In a letter to the student body, Garber called on protesters “to end the occupation of Harvard Yard,” arguing that the encampment “favors the voices of a few over the rights of many who have experienced disruption in how they learn and work at a critical time of the semester.”

Students placed on involuntary leave “may not be able to sit for exams, may not continue to reside in Harvard housing, and must cease to be present on campus until reinstated,” he wrote.

“As an academic institution, we do not shy away from hard and important questions,” Garber wrote. “There are many ways for our community to engage constructively in reasoned discussion of complex issues, but initiating these difficult and crucial conversations does not require, or justify, interfering with the educational environment and Harvard’s academic mission.”

-ABC News' Julia Reinstein

May 06, 10:28 AM
Emory to move commencement ceremony off campus

Emory University in Atlanta announced Monday they will be moving commencement activities off campus, citing "concerns about safety and security."

"Please know that this decision was not taken lightly. It was made in close consultation with the Emory Police Department, security advisors, and other agencies — each of which advised against holding Commencement events on our campuses," Emory President Gregory Fenves wrote in a message to the university.

The commencement ceremonies will now be held in Duluth, about a half hour from campus, the university said.

On April 25, there were 28 people arrested, including 20 affiliated with Emory University, during a protest on campus, according to the school.

-ABC News' Ahmad Hemingway

May 06, 9:08 AM
Columbia will not hold campuswide commencement

Columbia University announced Monday it will not hold a campuswide commencement ceremony on May 15 as originally scheduled.

Columbia will focus on the smaller, school-based ceremonies instead based on "input and feedback from student leaders," the school said.

"Our students emphasized that these smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families," the school said in a statement. "They are eager to cross the stage to applause and family pride and hear from their school’s invited guest speakers."

The smaller school ceremonies will begin on Friday. Columbia said it may hold "a festive event" on May 15 instead.

One of the reasons Columbia said it had called in the New York Police Department last Tuesday was in order to make room for the schoolwide ceremony in the same location as the encampment.

May 05, 4:24 PM
UCLA chancellor announces changes to boost campus safety

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block announced Sunday that the university is taking several immediate steps to increase campus safety following protests that prompted the closure of the school last week.

Block said the newly created Office of Campus Safety will oversee the management of the UCLA Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management. The administrative vice chancellor was previously in charge of the agencies.

Rick Braziel, the former Sacramento chief of police, will head the new Office of Campus Safety, Block said. Braziel will report directly to Block.

Additionally, Block said he has created a formal advisory group of safety experts who will partner with Braziel, including U.C. Davis Police Chief Joh Farrow; Vickie Mays, professor of psychology and health policy and management at UCLA, and Jody Stiger, the U.C. Office of the President systemwide director of community safety.

"In the past week, our campus has been shaken by events that have disturbed this sense of safety and strained trust within our community," Block said in a statement Sunday. "In light of this, both UCLA and the UC Office of the President have committed to a thorough investigation of our security processes. But one thing is already clear: To best protect our community moving forward, urgent changes are needed in how we administer safety operations."

-ABC News' Izzy Alvarez

May 05, 3:34 PM
Classes set to resume Monday at UCLA

Classes are scheduled to resume Monday at UCLA after the campus was closed due to protests that broke out last week, officials said Sunday.

The school announced that employees are expected to resume work on Monday and faculty are "encouraged to resume in-person instruction as soon as possible."

Some instructors are being given the option of conducting courses remotely at their discretion through May 10 "without the need for departmental authorization.

"A law enforcement presence continues to be stationed around campus to help promote safety," school officials said in a statement.

-ABC News' Tristan Maglunog

May 05, 3:13 PM
USC campus reopens after tent encampment dismantled

The University of Southern California's University Park campus has reopened Sunday after a pro-Palestinian tent encampment was cleared out and dismantled, the university said.

All students, faculty and staff must present valid identification, USC said.

May 05, 11:03 AM
New York City mayor defends NYPD's handling of college protests

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday defended the police crackdown on college campus protests that have broken out in America's largest city.

"When those protests reach the point of violence, we have to ensure that we use a minimum amount of force to terminate what is perceived to be a threat," " Adams told ABC News "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl.

Adams added that the police intervention resulted from days of communication between the police and school officials.

"We knew we had to get permission unless there's imminent threat to life, or severe threat to property," he said, adding, "We were not going to overstep our legal authority."

When pressed by Karl about criticism, including from some other Democrats, that the response to protesters was disproportionate given that they were largely nonviolent, Adams said, "One has the right to have his or her opinion, and I respect that. ... And I have an obligation and responsibility to ensure the city is safe."

-ABC News' Kristina Abovyan

May 05, 10:39 AM
No arrests made in clearing of USC protest encampment: Official

A pro-Palestinian tent encampment on the University of Southern California campus was cleared out and dismantled Sunday morning without any arrests being made, university officials said.

Joel Curran, a spokesperson for USC, said in a statement that the encampment, established by protesters 12 days ago, was "peacefully" taken down.

“Earlier today, the University of Southern California Department of Public Safety (DPS) successfully removed the illegal encampment rebuilt on the university’s campus. It was necessary to request the Los Angeles Police Department to respond to provide security as this was carried out peacefully," Curran said. "No arrests have been reported. We want to thank LAPD for assisting DPS in clearing the encampment and restoring normalcy for students and community as quickly and safely as possible. We will share more information with our community later today.”

-ABC News' Tristan Maglunog

May 05, 9:52 AM
USC says encampment has been cleared

The University of Southern California said the encampment at University Park Campus has been cleared and the campus remains closed.

May 05, 9:21 AM
USC protest encampment being cleared: Police

A pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus of the University of Southern California was being cleared Sunday morning as campus police warned protesters to leave or be arrested.

The announcement came as the USC Department of Public Safety closed the campus "as a result of significant activity at the center of campus."

"If you are in the center of campus, please leave. People who don’t leave will be arrested. We will issue another alert when it is clear to return," the DPS said on X.

The campus police said officers from the Los Angeles Police Department are assisting in "clearing the center" of the University Park Campus.

Sunday's action came after USC President Carol Folt sent an email to the school's community, saying "steps would be taken to ensure a quiet and safe environment for students to complete their finals."

“[L]et me be absolutely clear: free speech and assembly do not include the right to obstruct equal access to campus, damage property, or foment harassment, violence, and threats,” Folt said. “Nor is anyone entitled to obstruct the normal functions of our university, including commencement."

-ABC News' Cory Peeler

May 04, 11:50 PM
25 arrested at University of Virginia after police clash with protesters

Authorities arrested 25 protesters at the University of Virginia for trespassing on Saturday, according to the university's communications office.

The school said it was still awaiting confirmation on how many of those arrested were affiliated with UVA.

May 04, 10:52 PM
Dozens of protesters arrested at Art Institute of Chicago

Approximately 50 people were arrested, including some students, at The Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday, according to a spokesperson from the museum.

"Today, a group of individuals, including some SAIC students, began a protest in the museum’s North Garden, and as it progressed, protesters surrounded and shoved a security officer and stole their keys to the museum, blocked emergency exits, and barricaded gates," the statement read.

Protesters were offered an alternative location to continue the protest on campus, but they did not accept that offer, according to the spokesperson.

"During multiple rounds of negotiations, SAIC student protesters were promised amnesty from academic sanction and trespassing charges if they agreed to relocate. The School also agreed to meet with a student group to discuss their demands. After approximately five hours, an agreement could not be reached."

Chicago Police Department assisted with ending the protests and arresting individuals, the museum spokesperson said.

May 04, 7:17 PM
University of Virginia president calls removal of protesters 'upsetting, frightening and sad'

The president of the University of Virginia, Jim Ryan, released a statement Saturday on the removal of protesters from the encampment on campus.

Ryan said that up until Friday, the demonstrations on campus had remained peaceful and "complied with requests to adhere to University policies including a long-standing prohibition on erecting tents absent a permit."

However, Ryan said protesters were given a "final warning" on Saturday morning that "was ignored" and the university’s police department officers "were met with physical confrontation and attempted assault."

Virginia State Police were called to clear the encampment after it was deemed an "unlawful" assembly, according to the president.

"I recognize and respect that some will disagree with our decisions,” Ryan said in the statement. “This entire episode was upsetting, frightening and sad."

May 04, 3:15 PM
Police appear to prepare to empty University of Virginia encampment

The University of Virginia alerted students to avoid the chapel area of the school's Charlottesville campus -- where protesters have set up an encampment -- for police activity.

Around 40 police officers from multiple police agencies are on campus to potentially clear pro-Palestinian protesters, according to the student paper, the Cavalier Daily.

Albemarle County Police and Virginia State Police arrived with riot gear to support Charlottesville Police and University Police, according to an affiliate reporter.

May 03, 10:15 PM
UCLA classes to resume on Monday

The University of California Los Angeles announced classes are "expected to resume in full on Monday," in an update Friday evening.

"Campus operations will be limited through the weekend, and are expected to resume in full on Monday. Classes continue remote through the weekend. Work, events and research activities are encouraged to remain remote or be rescheduled wherever possible during that period," UCLA said in a statement.

A law enforcement presence will continue "to be stationed around campus to help promote safety," the university said.

May 03, 6:09 PM
NYU president explains use of NYPD to end encampment

Linda G. Mills, the president of NYU, posted a statement Friday evening explaining why the school called in the NYPD to break up an encampment on the Greene St. Walkway earlier in the day.

Mills said 14 people who refused orders to leave the area were arrested and the incident was non-violent.

The president said that the police were called in for numerous reasons, including noise complaints from nearby residents and businesses, safety concerns over the crowds of supporters and counter-protesters and escalating threats.

"The encampment had become increasingly untenable for the NYU community and the neighborhood we inhabit," she said.

Mills said three senior administrators spoke with the protesters over the weekend to come to an agreement over shutting down the encampment.

The president said things escalated on Wednesday when a group of people from a May Day march came to the walkway and got into altercations.

The May Day incident and other issues, including threats leveled at NYU administrators, led the school to call the NYPD, according to Mills.

"The university’s senior leadership and I were compelled to conclude that we could not tolerate the risk of violence any longer and that we could not responsibly or in good conscience wait until something drastically worse were to happen in order to act. We needed to bring this to a close," she said.

May 03, 2:44 PM
University of Mississippi protest confrontation draws scrutiny

Footage from the University of Mississippi campus captures intense confrontations between pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-protesters.

The dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on the campus to call for divestment from military operations in Gaza and for the university to condemn what they call "genocide."

Footage shows a much larger counter-protest surrounding the students, with many donning American flags.

Protesters reported being subject to racism and violent threats and having food thrown at them by counter-protesters.

In one video, a Black protester can be seen recording and speaking to counter-protesters, moving past the protective barricades around pro-Palestinian protesters.

Law enforcement officers can be seen urging her to walk back as counter-demonstrators taunt her, including on student making a monkey impersonation and others chanting "lock her up," according to the Stacey Spiehler, who took the video.

Law enforcement also urged counter-protesters to stand back.

Jacob Batte, Ole Miss’ director of news and media relations, told ABC News they "cannot comment specifically about that video," but that "statements were made at the demonstration on our campus Thursday that were offensive and inappropriate."

The university said it is looking into reports about specific actions and "any actions that violate university policy will be met with appropriate action."

In a statement following the confrontations, protesters said they were met with "blind reactionism that had little to do with the genocide we were protesting as well as our demands."

-ABC News' Chris Looft and Kiara Alfonseca

May 03, 12:32 PM
NYPD sergeant accidentally discharged gun during Columbia building operation

An officer accidentally discharged his gun as the New York Police Department worked to clear Hamilton Hall -- a building that had been occupied by Columbia University students on April 30, Assistant Chief Carlos Valdez, the commanding officer of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit, said Friday.

During the operation, a sergeant unintentionally discharged his firearm while attempting to gain access to an office.

"The sergeant was transitioning his firearm to his non-dominant hand to unlock the office door from the inside when the discharge occurred," Valdez said.

There were no injuries and the bullet was contained within the vacant office. Valdes said that at no point were police officers, members of the public or protesters in danger.

"This was purely unintentional," he said.

May 03, 12:03 PM
New York University, New School explain decision to remove, arrest students

New York University and New School, in separate statements, said they requested police move students from their campuses after multiple rounds of negotiations failed.

NYU said the "encampment had become increasingly untenable for the NYU community and the neighborhood we inhabit." Classes will proceed as normal today.

NYU said it is aware of calls for a 4 p.m. protest at the former site of the encampment.

The New School, which switched to remote learning Friday, said students continued to set up in the lobby of the University Center building and block access to the "residence hall, classrooms, library, and cafeteria."

Despite the university "pleading to allow their fellow students to enter their residence hall, the protesters would not budge."

The New School said the protests continued even after they "provided a confirmed date this month for the Investment Committee to consider a vote on disinvestment."

"It is a sad day for all of us who are part of this university community and who believe in free speech, which we have pledged to protect and will continue to protect," The New School said in a statement.

May 03, 8:49 AM
56 people arrested at New School, NYU

Fifty-six people have been arrested at The New School and New York University after the schools authorized police to clear encampments, according to the New York Police Department.

Forty-three people were arrested at The New School and 13 people where arrested at NYU, the NYPD said.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky

May 03, 6:48 AM
NYU has authorized NYPD to clear encampment

NYU has requested assistance from the NYPD to "disperse the illegal encampment on their property."

"As per their request, we are on site and our officers will be assisting with the unparalleled professionalism embodied by our police officers," NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Operations Kaz Daughtry, said in a statement on social media.

May 03, 2:07 AM
30 arrested at Portland State University throughout the day: Police

Portland police say that at least 30 people have been arrested over their involvement in ongoing protests at Portland State University.

"Additional arrests have been made at PSU’s library after trespassers illegally entered the building again despite efforts to secure it," police said in their statement. "Preliminary count is 30 arrests over the course of the day. Officers will continue to monitor for criminal activity and will make arrests when lawful and appropriate."

Authorities say that officers encountered acts of vandalism, and one suspect deployed a fire extinguisher at an officer during an altercation.

"Seven officers suffered injuries, the most serious was a knee injury that required ambulance transport to the hospital. Other injuries are still being assessed or were minor," Portland police said.

The identities of those arrested will be released once a full list has been completed.

May 03, 1:55 AM
USC says arrested student protesters will be referred to 'disciplinary process'

USC has sent an email to the arrested protesters on Thursday evening warning that any student protesters who have been arrested for their "alleged conduct" of criminal trespassing on April 24 will be “referred to the University’s disciplinary process.”

"Please be aware that any further violation of university policies - including but not limited to the university's policies against camping, amplified sound, defying DPS directives, vandalism, harassments, bullying, and theft of property - will result in further discipline up to expulsion as well as an immediate ban from campus," the email obtained by ABC News said.

May 02, 11:22 PM
7 additional protesters arrested at Portland State University: Police

The Portland Police Bureau announced seven additional arrests were made Thursday evening amid ongoing protests at Portland State University.

The seven arrests came a couple of hours after PPB announced 22 people had been arrested on Thursday, bringing the total to 29 people arrested on Thursday.

PPB said the seven arrests were from "trespassers" breaking "back into the library" by pulling the fence down.

"Arrests have also been made for people refusing to leave the park block at the library," the bureau said in an update on X late Thursday evening.

May 02, 1:03 PM
Photos show the aftermath of police clearing encampment at UCLA

Photos taken Thursday show the aftermath of police clearing a pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA where at least 132 people were arrested.

Image

Image

Image

May 02, 12:52 PM
2 arrests made as police empty library occupied by Portland State University protesters

Portland police have arrested two people outside the Portland State University campus library, as they move to clear the building, which was occupied by protesters. Police said they encountered "barricades" as they entered the building.

Individuals remaining in the building are under arrest for second-degree trespassing, police announced Thursday. The area surrounding the library has been closed off.

Police also warned that anyone resisting arrest could have force used against them and be subject to more criminal charges.

May 02, 11:34 AM
Biden says free speech and rule of law 'must be upheld'

President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Thursday saying that free speech and the rule of law must both be upheld.

"We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent, the American people are heard. In fact, peaceful protest is the best tradition of how Americans respond to controversial issues," Biden said, speaking from the White House.

But, he condemned the destruction of property, shutting down campuses and forcing the cancelation of classes and graduation, saying it isn't peaceful protest.

"Dissent is essential to democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder or to denying the rights of others so students can finish the semester and their college education," Biden said.

Biden last commented on college protests on April 22 -- before there was an escalation of suspension and arrests at campuses across the country -- at the time condemning antisemitic actions and those who don't understand the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, a message he reiterated Thursday.

"There is no place for hate speech or violence of any kind whether it's anti-Semitism, islamophobia or discrimination against Arab Americans or Palestinian Americans. It’s simply wrong. There’s no place for racism in America," Biden said.

May 02, 11:22 AM
Biden says protests have not pushed him to reconsider policies

President Joe Biden, making his first remarks on the surge in protests on college campuses, said the protests have not pushed him to reconsider his policies in the region.

"Mr. President, have the protests forced you to reconsider our policies?" a reporter asked Biden Thursday.

"No," Biden said, before walking away from the podium.

May 02, 10:53 AM
At least 132 arrested at UCLA protests

At least 132 people were arrested on Thursday in protests at UCLA according to California Highway Patrol.

May 02, 10:32 AM
More than 70% of Columbia protesters arrested Tuesday were affiliated with university: NYPD

Thirty-two of the people arrested at Columbia University on Tuesday were not affiliated with the school, while 80 people were affiliated, based on a preliminary background analysis by the New York Police Department.

At City College of New York, 102 people arrested Tuesday night were not affiliated with the university, while 68 people were affiliated, based on the NYPD analysis.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky

May 02, 10:23 AM
University of Minnesota strikes agreement to end encampment

The University of Minnesota has reached an agreement to end the student-led encampment on campus.

The university will reopen previously closed buildings and the student coalition has pledged not to organize disruptions during final exams and the commencement ceremony.

Representatives of the student coalition will be given the opportunity to address the Board of Regents at its May 10 meeting over its call for a divestment, students will receive amnesty for their encampment, and the university will also explore an affiliation with Palestinian universities, hosting scholars at risk.

"Our meetings have been grounded in listening, learning, and respect, and I believe they were a very positive first step in reaching mutual understanding. Though the original meeting was scheduled for 30 minutes yesterday, we engaged in constructive conversation for more than 90 minutes. We then met two more times to discuss the proposed agreements," University of Minnesota interim President Jeff Ettinger said in a statement.

"We regret that these meetings did not happen sooner, and have committed to regular meetings moving forward to continue to discuss this coalition’s concerns," Ettinger said.

Ettinger also highlighted that the university supports freedom of expression as a fundamental part of its mission.

"While we do not condone tactics that are outside of our policies, we appreciate student leaders’ willingness to engage in dialogue. I value the challenging and healthy conversations we’ve had," Ettinger said

May 02, 7:33 AM
Police begin arresting UCLA protesters

Officers began arresting protesters on the University of California Los Angeles campus early Thursday, detaining some with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.

Those who were detained appeared to have been moving willingly with officers, ABC News station KABC-TV reported.

As law enforcement moved into the encampment, some of the protesters began chanting, repeating the phrase "Shame on you" in chorus.

May 02, 6:50 AM
UCLA issues evacuation order as police confront protesters

UCLA officials issued an evacuation order for all protesters in the area of Royce Quad, saying the encampment was “unlawful.”

Smoke billowed around law enforcement officials as they began breaking through the barricades on the campus encampment. It was not immediately clear whether the smoke had been dispersed by the police or the protesters.

The encampment in Dickson Plaza, along with all unauthorized tents and structures, had been declared “unlawful,” campus public safety officials said in an alert.

“The University requires that everyone must leave the encampment and adjacent areas, as well as all unauthorized structures and tents immediately, until further notice,” the alert said.

May 02, 6:24 AM
Highway Patrol officers in riot gear enter UCLA campus

California Highway Patrol officers in riot gear streamed early Thursday onto the University of California Los Angeles campus.

The officers were met by a wall of protesters, who appeared unwilling to move. Officials had earlier ordered protesters to abandon their encampment.

Officers were working to tear down barricades of plywood boards that been erected along some of the edges of that encampment.

Los Angeles Police Department officers had earlier retreated from the encampment. At one point, LAPD and protesters briefly scuffled as officers made their way out of the encampment.

May 02, 5:37 AM
90 arrested at Dartmouth protest, police say

At least 90 people were arrested Wednesday during a protest on the campus of Dartmouth University, local police said.

The people who were arrested included both students and non-students, Hanover Police Department said in a statement released Thursday. Charges included criminal trespass and resisting arrest, police said.

Ahead of Wednesday's planned protest, campus security had warned demonstrators that tents or encampments wouldn't be allowed.

"Once tents were erected, Dartmouth Safety & Security made multiple announcements to participants that they must dispel, and they refused," Charles B. Dennis, Hanover's chief of police, said in a media release.

Hanover police and the New Hampshire State Police continued with "multiple" announcements, but some protesters refused to disperse, he said.

May 01, 10:29 PM
UCLA announces remote classes through the end of the week

UCLA's public safety department said in an alert Wednesday night that all on campus classes were "required to pivot to remote" through the end of the week.

The announcement comes after overnight protests turned violent, injuring 15 and sending one person to the hospital, university officials previously confirmed.

Campus operations will be limited on Thursday and Friday, the public safety department said in its evening update.

"We have a large law enforcement presence stationed throughout campus to help promote safety," the department said. "Student Affairs will have essential staff on campus to support our students."

May 01, 11:05 PM
UCLA police declare encampment is an 'unlawful gathering,' order demonstrators to leave

Police at UCLA have announced to the gathered crowd that the encampment on campus is an "unlawful gathering."

Demonstrators have been ordered to leave by the LAPD, according to KABC 7.

UCLA is broadcasting a message of its own, telling protesters to disperse. The message, which appears to be recorded, says those who don't leave will be subject to administrative action.

May 01, 8:56 PM
'This is just the beginning': Columbia and CUNY students vow to keep 'fighting'

During a press conference on Wednesday evening, student protestors from Columbia University and City University of New York responded to the intervention of the NYPD to dismantle encampments and suspend and arrest hundreds of protesters across both universities last night and today.

"We will not stop fighting. This is just the beginning," Cameron Jones of Columbia’s Justice for Palestine chapter said.

Corinna Mullin, a member of CUNY faculty, joined the press conference and called the students "brave" and said that the administration's actions against its own students was "shameful."

The students from Columbia and CUNY vowed to continue their efforts, saying, "The more they will try to silence us, the louder we will be."

May 01, 8:08 PM
NYPD arrests 15 people for misdemeanor trespassing at Fordham University

After authorizing NYPD officers to move on the Fordham University to clear an "unlawful encampment" in a campus building on Wednesday, the institution said 15 individuals were arrested for misdemeanor trespassing.

In a statement Wednesday evening, Fordham University said several dozens of people pushed inside the lobby of the Lowenstein building and set up tents.

Most individuals left the encampment after "threats of conduct sanctions" but the remaining 15 people were arrested, according to the statement, which notes, "We believe some of those were Fordham students."

"We met with student leaders as recently as yesterday, readily agreeing to allow them to present their case about divestment and transparency to trustees and our chief investment officer," the university said, adding, "We remain committed to that process."

May 01, 7:54 PM
Why LAPD did not intervene in violent UCLA protests sooner: Sources

The LAPD and California Highway Patrol are facing backlash over not intervening in the UCLA protests sooner, as violence broke out overnight, however, law enforcement sources told ABC News the hesitancy came from jurisdiction over the campus.

The LAPD and CHP don’t have jurisdiction over UCLA and cannot unilaterally race in because UCLA has its own full-fledged police department and dispatch center, sources said.

The delay, as described by sources, was due to UCLA and its police department not authorizing a response.

UCLA’s limited police force was overwhelmed and tried to deal with the protest internally, according to sources, until the call to the LAPD and CHP was eventually made.

The protests led to 15 injuries, including one hospitalization, according to officials.

May 01, 6:57 PM
'These were not peaceful protesters': Columbia official addresses 202 arrests

In a press briefing Wednesday, Ben Chang, a Columbia University spokesperson, addressed the over 200 arrests made Tuesday evening, stemming from the ongoing protests.

The NYPD confirmed that the arrests from last night numbered 202, with 109 being from Columbia University.

"These were not peaceful protesters," Chang said. "I surveyed the damage myself, and as the president has indicated, severe damage was inflicted on that building."

In response to the disruptions, Chang said the university leadership, backed by the trustees, decided to call in the NYPD to help restore order.

Academic activities at Columbia will continue remotely for the remainder of the semester, according to Chang, who noted, the university is making adjustments to ensure that final exams and assessments proceed smoothly.

-ABC News’ Jason Volack

May 01, 6:38 PM
Fordham requests NYPD disperse encampment in campus building

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said Fordham University requested NYPD assistance in clearing an "unlawful encampment of individuals inside one of their buildings," in a statement posted to X on Wednesday.

Daughtry said individuals who refused to disperse from the encampment were placed inside a building at Fordham under arrest.

May 01, 6:39 PM
Los Angeles Mayor condemns 'absolutely detestable violence' at UCLA protest

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the protests that turned violent overnight at UCLA in a statement Wednesday, saying she met with Los Angeles police, sheriffs and other agencies.

"This morning, I met in person with LAPD, LASD, CHP, CalOES, UCPD and other regional agencies at the UCLA incident command post about the absolutely detestable violence on campus last night," Bass said.

Bass warned that any demonstrator involved in "launching fireworks at other people, spraying chemicals and physically assaulting others will be found, arrested, and prosecuted, as well as anyone involved in any form of violence or lawlessness."

The mayor noted that she's spoken to California Governor Gavin Newsom and thanked him for "his continued support."

May 01, 6:08 PM
'Student's blood on my hands': UCLA faculty member recounts violent overnight protest

The day after protests turned violent at UCLA, faculty members held a conference addressing the protests and the university’s response.

"Last night I went to bed at around 4:00 a.m. with student’s blood on my hands and I'm not speaking figuratively," UCLA Assistant Professor Nicholas Shapiro said. "I mean, a student collapsed into my hands with blunt force trauma and mace in their eyes, and I had to treat them."

The protests led to 15 injuries, including one hospitalization, according to officials.

"This is a failure of our institution and we need to put a stop to it today," Shapiro said.

UCLA Associate Professor Bharat Venkat also addressed the violent scene on campus, saying, "It felt like walking through a war zone."

"They're screaming, they're crying," Venkat said of the student demonstrators. "They're having a difficult time breathing. This shouldn't be happening anywhere and this shouldn't be happening here at UCLA."

May 01, 5:39 PM
University of California President orders independent review of overnight violence at UCLA

University of California President Michael V. Drake addressed the ongoing protests at UCLA that "turned violent" overnight, announcing in a statement on Wednesday an "independent external review" has been ordered.

The university summoned mutual aid from LAPD officers to "restore control" to the protest, according to Drake, who noted, there were 15 injuries, including one hospitalization, that stemmed from the protest.

"My office has requested a detailed accounting from the campus about what transpired in the early morning hours today," Drake said.

"But some confusion remains, therefore we are also ordering an independent external review of both UCLA’s planning and actions, and the effectiveness of the mutual aid response," Drake said.

May 01, 4:42 PM
170 of protesters arrested at Columbia and City College receive summonses

Of the approximately 280 arrests at Columbia University and City College, 170 are summonses, while the remaining people will receive desk appearance tickets or will work through the court system, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Each case would be evaluated individually, including a review of body camera footage and other evidence, Bragg said. But, he did not reveal how many of those arrested were affiliated with the colleges and how many were outside agitators.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky

May 01, 2:25 PM
Columbia to hold final exams remotely

Columbia University announced final exams will be held remotely amid a tense campus climate, according to a letter sent out by the university's provost.

"In order to address the concerns of our members in an evolving campus environment, all academic activities for schools on the Morningside Heights campus will be fully remote for the remainder of the semester (with carve-outs noted below). Any remaining class meetings, review sessions, or office hours should be held fully remotely, and all final exams and other final assessments should be fully remote," Columbia said in a statement.

All final exams scheduled for Friday will be automatically rescheduled for May 10.

May 01, 2:11 PM
34 arrested at University of Wisconsin-Madison

A total of 34 people were arrested while emptying a pro-Palestinian encampment at University of Wisconsin-Madison Wednesday, the university said.

The majority of those arrested have been released with no citation issued, but four people have been booked, according to the university. The charges they are facing include attempted disarming a police officer, resisting arrest, attempted escape and battery to a police officer.

May 01, 12:31 PM
4 police officers injured as University of Wisconsin-Madison empties encampment

Four police officers were injured at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where police were dispersing an encampment of protesters on the Library Mall.

Three of the four officers sustained injuries "directly related to the physical resistance," according to the university. A state trooper sustained injuries when a protester allegedly "struck their head with a skateboard."

May 01, 12:13 PM
'I'm sorry we reached this point,' Columbia president says

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik said that tensions on campus had "rose to new heights" when a group of protesters broke into Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves. Shafik said it pushed the university "to the brink," according to a letter sent to the Columbia University community Wednesday.

"I know I speak for many members of our community in saying that this turn of events has filled me with deep sadness. I am sorry we reached this point," Shafik said.

The NYPD said it arrested 119 people at Columbia Tuesday night, but it has not yet revealed how many of those arrested are students.

"The University offered to consider new proposals on divestment and shareholder activism, to review access to our dual degree programs and global centers, to reaffirm our commitment to free speech, and to launch educational and health programs in Gaza and the West Bank. Some other universities have achieved agreement on similar proposals. Our efforts to find a solution went into Tuesday evening, but regrettably, we were unable to come to resolution," Shafik said.

Negotiations broke down between the university and members of the encampment after Columbia refused to divest from companies linked to Israel and the war in Gaza.

May 01, 11:39 AM
UCLA cancels all classes due to 'violence' overnight

The University of California, Los Angeles announced that it will cancel all Wednesday classes due to the "distress caused by the violence that took place on Royce Quad" overnight, according to a statement from the university.

The hospital and health system, the Luskin Conference Center and PreK through 12 schools will remain open.

"We have law enforcement presence stationed throughout campus to help promote safety. Student Affairs will have essential staff on campus to support our students who have been impacted by this tragedy," UCLA said in a statement.

May 01, 11:34 AM
12 arrested at University of Wisconsin-Madison as it empties encampment

At least 12 people have been arrested at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as campus police moved to disperse an encampment of protesters. About 100 to 200 people had arrived for a demonstration Monday and began putting up tents.

The University of Wisconsin said several people resisted arrest, but it is not yet clear how many of the arrested are affiliated with the university.

Several tents have been taken down and dissembled.

"Tents and camping are not allowed on any university property under Chapter 18 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, which defines the types of activities permitted on campus, information which was shared to all members of the campus community on Friday," the university said in a statement.

May 01, 10:40 AM
People who occupied Columbia building were led by people unaffiliated with school, NYPD says

The mayor said those who occupied Hamilton Hall were led by people unaffiliated with Columbia University.

Those protesters made a change to more aggressive tactics and represented an "elevated concern," Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, said Wednesday.

"The situation had deteriorated to the point where the safety of students, staff and the public was at risk," Police Commissioner Edward Caban said.

There were 282 arrests on a range of mainly minor offenses -- 173 at City College and 119 at Columbia.

"It was a tough decision," Adams said, of the university authorizing the NYPD to move onto campus. "The action had to end and we brought it to a peaceful conclusion."

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky

May 01, 10:07 AM
New York officials say outside individuals hijacked Columbia protests

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Police Department officials told reporters that protesters at Columbia University were being influenced by outside individuals, part of a movement "globally" to "radicalize young people"

"Students have a right to protest and free speech is the cornerstone of our society. But as our major concern we knew and we saw that there were those who were never concerned about free speech. They were concerned about chaos. It was about external actors hijacking peaceful protests influence students to escalate," Adams said.

"You don't have to be a majority to influence and co-opt an operation," Adams said.

May 01, 9:40 AM
300 arrested at Columbia and City College, Adams says

About 300 people were arrested at Columbia University and City College Tuesday night, New York Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday.

"We are processing the arrests to distinguish between who were actually students and who were not supposed to be on the grounds," Adams said.

"It was led by individuals who are not affiliated with the university. The school needed the NYPD assistance to clear Hamilton Hall at the encampments outside of dual operations on the grounds that took place successfully," Adams said.

May 01, 6:49 AM
Campus police deploy 'chemical irritant' at University of Arizona

Campus police officers at the University of Arizona in Tucson shot "chemical irritant" munitions at a gathering of protesters early Wednesday, the department said.

The university's president, Robert C. Robbins, had asked the campus police and school officials to "immediately enforce campus use policies and all corresponding laws," according to a statement from his office.

The Tucson Police Department and other law enforcement agencies also responded to campus, the university said.

Campus officers closed several blocks of Park Avenue as they responded to the "unlawful assembly," the department said.

Video appeared to show police handcuffing individuals on the ground and protesters forming a human chain facing officers.

"Police deploying chemical irritant munitions," the department said amid a series of updates on social media. "Follow orders of police and disperse immediately. Avoid the area of University Blvd & Park Ave."

May 01, 6:07 AM
UCLA officials 'sickened' by violence on campus, chancellor says

As groups of counter-protesters clashed with Pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the UCLA campus early Wednesday, a university official said staff were “sickened” by the violence.

“Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid support,” Mary Osaka, a vice chancellor, said in a statement.

Osaka aded that the fire department and medical responders were near the scene.

"We are sickened by this senseless violence and it must end,” she said.

May 01, 6:05 AM
At least 100 arrested at two NY campuses, NYPD says

The New York Police Department made at least 100 arrests overnight, with most at Columbia University. Arrests were also made at City College of New York, officials said.

Many of those taken into custody are still being processed at police headquarters.

May 01, 5:32 AM
Protesters clash on UCLA campus, LAPD responds

Clashes between opposing groups of protesters at the University of California Los Angeles included "multiple acts of violence," prompting university officials to ask police to enter the campus, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Officers responded to assist campus police "to restore order and maintain public safety," the LAPD said.

State and local politicians said they were monitoring the situation, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass calling the violence "absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable."

Gov. Gavin Newsom said his office had been in contact with law enforcement leadership.

May 01, 2:38 AM
Police confront CUNY protesters, arrest 25, university says

At least 25 people were arrested at CUNY's City College of New York campus as police confronted protesters early Wednesday, the university said in a statement.

University officials said they asked the New York Police Department for assistance in clearing protesters, including a "large crowd" of people who had marched from Columbia University to City College.

The school described a "series of violent indents" that it said put public safety at risk over the last six days.

"This includes a fire Sunday night at the Marshak Science Building caused by use of a flare gun that brought FDNY to campus, clashes with public safety, an attempted break-in at Shepard Hall tonight, and a break-in at the Administration Building tonight that included the vandalizing of offices and smashing glass doors," the university said in a press release early Wednesday.

Police entered the campus just before midnight and began making arrests, the university said.

"Students have a right to demonstrate peacefully and exercise their First Amendment rights," the university said. "Tonight's actions were taken in response to specific and repeated acts of violence and vandalism, not in response to peaceful protest"

May 01, 12:55 AM
Columbia restricts Morningside campus to on-campus student residents, certain employees

After Columbia University was cleared of encamped protesters Tuesday night, the school said it its Morningside campus was immediately restricted to students who live there and workers providing essential services.

"Effective immediately, access to the Morningside campus has been limited to students residing in residential buildings on campus (Carman, Furnald, John Jay, Hartley, Wallach, East Campus and Wien) and employees who provide essential services to campus buildings, labs and residential student life (for example, Dining, Public Safety, and building maintenance staff). There is no additional access to the Morningside campus," the notification read.

The university said the restrictions would stay in place "until circumstances allow otherwise."

May 01, 12:46 AM
NYPD officers move on to City College of New York campus

NYPD officers entered the campus of the City College of New York late Tuesday night.

"As requested by the university, we are currently on campus to assist the university in dispersing those trespassing," NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, said in a post on X, sharing video of the police moving in.

In a note to the campus community, university president Vince Boudreau, said protests on campus presented "heightened challenges."

"Most importantly, this is not primarily a CCNY demonstration, and perhaps not primarily a CUNY demonstration. The significant inclusion of un-affiliated external individuals means that we don’t have established connections to them," Boudreau's letter read.

He continued: "Specifically, this demonstration has been more contentious and violent than anything we’ve seen on campus before. Today, we distributed a letter to members of the encampment detailing specific examples of threats to the safety of people within and outside the encampment, so that all of them understand the full scope of the activity. We also want all of them, and those of you reading this note, to understand that in no way does our response to this particular and extraordinary threat overwrite our more fundamental commitments to free speech, academic freedom, or the right to peacefully protest that comply with CCNY and CUNY regulations."

Boudreau said the encamped demonstrators were told to take down their encampment and follow CUNY guidelines for "future activities."

The university president also said classes would be remote on Wednesday due to the situation on campus.

May 01, 12:16 AM
Columbia details backstory on Hamilton Hall takeover

In a letter authorizing the NYPD to enter the Columbia University campus and break up the protest, the school detailed the backstory on its recent talks with those in the encampments and the takeover Tuesday night of Hamilton Hall.

According to the letter, from Columbia President Minouche Shafik, an individual "hid in the building" at Hamilton Hall until it was closed and let others in. The group's purpose was "occupying the building," the letter read.

Two security guards were inside the building at the time, and the university said in the letter to the NYPD they were able to "secure their release."

"We believe that while the group who broke into the building includes students, it is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University," the letter read. "The individuals who have occupied Hamilton Hall have vandalized University property and are trespassing."

Addressing the encampment on the school's Morningside campus, the university told police discussions had been carried out with group representatives, but on Sunday, they "reached an impasse."

At that time, the university says it told the group they did not have permission to "occupy spaces on campus" and were "in violation" of school rules and policies.

On Monday morning, the protesters were told they would be suspended if they didn't disperse by Monday at 2 p.m. ET.

The university said in its Tuesday night NYPD letter that those in the encampment were "suspended" and "not authorized to be on University property and are trespassing."

The university said it believed the actions of those in the protest were escalating. 

"These activities have become a magnet for protesters outside our gates which creates significant risk to our campus and disrupts the ability of the University to continue normal operations," the letter read.

Columbia's president concluded the letter by asking the NYPD to "help to clear all individuals from Hamilton Hall and all campus encampments."

She further asked police to have a campus presence through May 17 -- graduation is May 15 -- "to maintain order and ensure encampments are not reestablished."

Police moved onto the Columbia University campus a little before 9 p.m. ET and began making arrests.

The NYPD also used a vehicle with an extendable roof ramp to help officers breach Hamilton Hall from an upper floor. From there, the police cleared the building.

The campus encampment and hall were cleared before 11:30 p.m.

Apr 30, 11:24 PM
NYPD says Hamilton Hall, encampment cleared at Columbia

The NYPD said Tuesday night that Hamilton Hall and the encampment have been cleared.

In a short media briefing, the NYPD said the only thing that remains are the tents at the encampment, which the university will clear.

No injuries have been reported, the NYPD said.

An official also said no tear gas was deployed Tuesday night.

Apr 30, 11:20 PM
Nearly 50 arrests so far at Columbia: Police sources

There have been about four dozen arrests so far by the NYPD at Columbia University, according to police sources.

The first bus of protesters apprehended by police just left the campus area.

Apr 30, 10:18 PM
Police head toward encampments after clearing a fortified Hamilton Hall

Police officers were met with a heavily fortified building when they entered Hamilton Hall on Tuesday night, sources told ABC News.

There have been a number of arrests, however no specific number was immediately available.

With the situation at Hamilton Hall believed to be contained, a number of officers are making their way from building to tent encampments.

Apr 30, 10:08 PM
Columbia asks NYPD to 'retain a presence' through May 17

Columbia University has asked the NYPD to "retain a presence on campus through at least May 17."

The request came in the letter the university sent to the NYPD Tuesday night, allowing them to move onto campus grounds.

Apr 30, 9:55 PM
Columbia on authorizing NYPD to go on campus: 'We were left with no choice'

Columbia University has released a statement addressing its authorization to allow the NYPD on campus, saying the decision was "made to restore safety and order to our community."

In its statement, the university said after they learned protesters had entered Hamilton Hall last night and "occupied, vandalized, and blockaded" it, they were left with "no choice" but to allow the police in. The university also said in a statement that they believe "that the group that broke into and occupied the building is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University."

"Columbia public safety personnel were forced out of the building, and a member of our facilities team was threatened. We will not risk the safety of our community or the potential for further escalation," the university's statement continued.

The university said in its statement the NYPD's presence is about the "actions of the protestors, not the cause they are championing."

"We have made it clear that the life of campus cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules and the law," the statement read.

Apr 30, 9:46 PM
NYPD expected to charge Hamilton Hall protesters with burglary, criminal mischief

Ahead of the move into Columbia University Tuesday evening, NYPD officials detailed what charges arrested protestors will face.

"For the individuals that are inside of Hamilton Hall they will be charged with burglary in a third degree, criminal mischief, and trespassing. For the individuals that are in the encampments outside they will be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct," NYPD officials said.

Apr 30, 9:32 PM
NYPD officers have entered Hamilton Hall through second-floor window

New York Police Department officers have entered Hamilton Hall through the second-floor window.

Apr 30, 11:14 PM
NYPD moves in at Columbia, begins making arrests

New York Police Department officers have moved onto the Columbia University campus and have begun making arrests.

Apr 30, 8:50 PM
Columbia authorizes NYPD to move onto campus

New York City has received authorization from Columbia University to send the NYPD onto campus, a senior city official told ABC News.

Apr 30, 8:50 PM
USC President condemns swastika drawn on campus

University of Southern California President Carol Folt released a statement Tuesday after being alerted to an alleged swastika drawn on the USC campus.

"I've just been made aware of a swastika drawn on our campus," Folt said in an update on X Tuesday afternoon.

"I condemn any antisemitic symbols or any form of hate speech against anyone. Clearly it was drawn there to incite even more anger at a time that is so painful for our community," Folt continued.

Folt said the university is investigating and that the swastika has been removed.

Apr 30, 8:37 PM
Columbia University students told to shelter in place amid ongoing protest

Columbia University students were told to shelter in place Tuesday evening due to "heightened activity" on the Morningside campus.

"Shelter in place for your safety due to heightened activity on the Morningside campus," the university’s emergency management operations team said in an alert Tuesday.

Officials warned that "Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action" and that students should "avoid the area until further notice."

Apr 30, 7:37 PM
City College of New York shifting remote amid protests

The City College of New York said it will hold classes remotely starting on Wednesday until further notice due to "current encampment activities" on the Manhattan campus.

Campus buildings will be closed except to essential personnel, the university said.

The announcement comes nearly a week after the university, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, said a group of demonstrators calling themselves the "CUNY Gaza Solidarity Encampment" set up a tent encampment on the campus' quad.

"The demonstrators appear to be made up of students, faculty and staff from City College and across the CUNY system and a sizable contingent that is not affiliated with any CUNY campus," City College President Vince Boudreau said in a letter to the community earlier this week, noting that school leaders had begun discussions with representatives from the group.

"We are working to minimize risks to people within the encampment and to protect all members of our campus community, while also minimizing the encampment's impact on campus operations," Boudreau said.

Apr 30, 6:55 PM
NYC mayor on Columbia University building occupation: 'This must end now'

New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged protesters at Columbia University to "walk away" after dozens of demonstrators stormed the campus' Hamilton Hall in what he called a "violent spectacle that serves no purpose."

Adams said the peaceful demonstrations were being co-opted by "professional outside agitators" seeking to "create discord and divisiveness."

"That is why I'm urging every student, every protester to walk away from this situation now. Continue your advocacy through other means," Adams said at a press briefing Tuesday evening. "We will always protect the right to protest, but we must balance that right with the right to keep students in school and our city safe."

"We cannot wait till this situation becomes even more serious. This must end now," he added.

Chief Edward Caban reiterated that protesters who are not Columbia students are working to escalate the situation and said the New York City Police Department is ready to assist the university as needed.

"We have seen the tactics changing in a way that's endangering public safety," he said.

The NYPD showed footage of what Deputy Commissioner for Intel Rebecca Weiner said showed outside actors making barriers inside Hamilton Hall and "escalating" tactics such as scaling buildings and breaking windows. Cameras in the building have also been destroyed, Weiner said.

Individuals who occupied Hamilton Hall could face charges including burglary in the third degree, trespass and criminal mischief, police said.

A Columbia University spokesperson said Tuesday evening that dozens of protesters were in Hamilton Hall.

Apr 30, 6:19 PM
American flag briefly replaced with Palestinian flag at UNC Chapel Hill

Some protesters at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill briefly replaced an American flag with the Palestinian flag on the campus' main quad Tuesday afternoon amid ongoing demonstrations.

The crowd chanted "U.S.A!" and sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the American flag was returned to the flagpole, footage shows. The flag was later removed for safekeeping, according to ABC Chapel Hill affiliate WTVD-TV.

The university canceled classes for the rest of the day as of 3 p.m. local time due to the demonstrations on campus.

Apr 30, 5:33 PM
Education secretary says campus unrest is 'unacceptable'

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona condemned what he deemed the "unacceptable" behavior of protesters on college campuses across the country.

"I think what's happening on our campuses is abhorrent," Cardona told Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., at the Senate's budget requests hearing for fiscal year 2025 on Tuesday. "It's unacceptable and we're committed as a Department of Education to adhering to Title VI enforcement."

The secretary said the department could reduce federal funds for schools that violate Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.

Pressed on whether the department was acting to eliminate antisemitism from college campuses amid the growing unrest, particularly at Columbia University, Cardona said the department is reviewing 137 discrimination investigations at Columbia.

He maintained campus safety is of "utmost importance."

"I wouldn't want to send my child to campus if I feel that they're not safe," he said. "That's the most important thing to me -- to make sure that our kids are safe on campus."

-ABC News' Arthur Jones II

Apr 30, 5:07 PM
79 people arrested at UT Austin

Police arrested 79 people at the University of Texas at Austin, Monday and the Travis County Prosecutor's Office has now received 65 cases for criminal trespassing.

"An initial review of the probable cause affidavits does not appear to show deficiencies," Travis County Attorney Delia Garza told reporters Tuesday.

Last week, trespassing charges against protesters were dismissed because they did not show probable cause.

Garza criticized the arrests and charges brought against peaceful protesters and said it is putting a strain on the state's criminal justice system and police response.

"I'm also deeply concerned about how matters will escalate when people believe they are being prevented from exercising their right to participate in nonviolent protest," Garza said.

Apr 30, 3:27 PM
Brown University reaches agreement to end encampment, agrees to divestment sit-down

Brown University said it has reached an agreement with pro-Palestinian student protesters to end their encampment, which began on April 24.

"After productive discussions between members of the Brown University administration and student leaders of the Brown Divest Coalition, we have reached an agreement that will end the encampment by 5 p.m. today," Brown President Christina Paxson said in a statement.

Five students have been invited to meet with five members of the Corporation of Brown University to make their arguments to divest Brown's endowment from "companies enabling and profiting from the genocide in Gaza."

Paxson will also ask the Advisory Committee on University Resource Management to provide a recommendation on divestment by Sept. 30, which the corporation will vote on in October.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni will not face retaliation for being involved in the encampment, according to the agreement, and no registered student organizations will loose their recognition.

While Brown said it will continue to follow its conduct process for individual students who were involved in any activities related to the encampment or support of the encampment, the university said ending the encampment will be viewed favorably in disciplinary proceedings. Reports of bias, harassment or discrimination will continue to be investigated.

-ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab

Apr 30, 2:31 PM
Columbia protesters say school 'isolating' them with no access to food, water, bathrooms

Columbia University's Students for Justice in Palestine hit back at the university saying its decision to limit campus access to students living in on-campus dorms means protesters will not have access to food, water or bathrooms without swiping in.

Protesters are calling for students to join them for a rally at the occupied building they have renamed Hind's Hall at 2 p.m.

Apr 30, 1:32 PM
Columbia threatens 'consequences' for protesters who occupied building

Columbia University has threatened student protesters with "clear consequences" after protesters occupied a building in an escalating standoff. Students defied a 2 p.m. deadline to disperse Monday.

Students occupying the building face expulsion, the university warned.

"We made it very clear yesterday that the work of the University cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules. Continuing to do so will be met with clear consequences. Protesters have chosen to escalate to an untenable situation—vandalizing property, breaking doors and windows, and blockading entrances—and we are following through with the consequences we outlined yesterday," Columbia said in a statement.

Students who did not commit to the terms Columbia's proposed agreement to vacate the encampment by 2 p.m. Monday have been suspended.

"Those students will be restricted from all academic and recreational spaces and may only access their individual residence. Seniors will be ineligible to graduate," Columbia said.

"This is about responding to the actions of the protesters, not their cause," Columbia said.

Apr 30, 12:47 PM
Columbia limits access to Morningside campus

Columbia University said it has limited access to its Morningside campus except to students residing in seven residential buildings, labs and employees who provide essential services.

The school has also limited access into and out of the building to one gate, closing all other campus entry points.

The restrictions will remain in place "until circumstances allow otherwise," Columbia said.

Apr 30, 12:27 PM
82 protesters arrested at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech said it has cleared an encampment on campus and arrested 82 protesters for trespassing, after refusing to comply with university policies.

"Virginia Tech strongly supports free speech, even when the content of that speech may be disagreeable to some. However, those rights do not extend beyond the point where they interfere with the rights of others, violate our policies, the Code of Virginia, or federal laws and/or create a threat to safety for others," Virginia Tech President Tim Sands said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech Muslim Student Association said in a letter the 91 students faculty and staff were arrested for peacefully protesting.

"As we reach the end of the semester, 7 months after Oct. 7, we are finding our voices still unheard. We are waiting for your support of us and Palestine," the Virginia Tech MSA said in a statement.

-ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab and Kerem Inal

Apr 30, 12:00 PM
Cal Poly Humboldt clears occupied buildings, arrests 25 protesters

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt said it has cleared two campus buildings that had been occupied by protesters for over a week and arrested 25 people.

"Those arrested faced a range of different charges depending on individual circumstances including unlawful assembly, vandalism, conspiracy, assault of police officers, and others. In addition, students could face discipline for conduct violations while any University employees arrested could face disciplinary action," Cal Poly said in a statement.

The university called the occupation of the two buildings "criminal activity" and said there were "serious concerns it would spread even further on campus."

"This morning’s enforcement action was determined to be necessary to restore order and to address the lawlessness and dangerous conditions that had developed. What was occurring was not free expression or a protest," the university said in a statement.

The campus will remain closed until May 10.

Apr 30, 11:41 AM
Northwestern reaches deal with students, faculty to end encampment, reveal investments

Northwestern University announced it has reached a deal with pro-Palestinian protesters, ending an encampment of students and faculty, but allowing peaceful demonstrations to continue through June 1.

The university said it would "answer questions from any internal stakeholder about holdings, held currently or within the last quarter, to the best of its knowledge and to the extent legally possible" -- meeting a key call from divestment protesters and students around the country who are seeking more transparency over universities' investments.

Northwestern will also reestablish an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility in the fall, which will include representatives from students, faculty and staff.

The university also pledged more inclusivity, funding two Palestinian faculty members and the full cost of attendance for five Palestinian undergraduate students annually, as well as a commitment to raising funds to sustain the program beyond this commitment.

Under the agreement, Northwestern says tents will be removed immediately but one aid tent will be allowed to remain. Protesters will need to suspend the use of "non-approved" amplified sound." Protesters who refuse to follow the agreement will be suspended and non-affiliated individuals must leave campus.

Apr 30, 11:12 AM
UConn removes encampment, makes arrests after protesters refuse to leave

The University of Connecticut cleared an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters early Tuesday after they refused orders to disperse. UConn has not yet revealed the number of arrests and charges.

UConn said that protests were permitted but setting up tents violated university guidelines.

"The group was warned multiple times over a period of days that while they were free to be in the space and exercise their free speech rights, the guidelines needed to be followed and the tents needed to be taken down. This was ignored," UConn said in a statement.

"UConn Police directed them four times on Tuesday morning to remove the tents and disperse, and they again repeatedly ignored the directives. Officers then entered the site to remove the tents and tarps, and to arrest those who refused compliance," UConn said in a statement.

-ABC News' Mark Osborne

Apr 30, 10:07 AM
Reporter arrested while covering protest on Cal Poly campus

Adelmi Ruiz, a reporter for Redding, California, ABC affiliate KRCR, was arrested at Cal Poly Humboldt while filming police approaching an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters.

A livestream showed Ruiz filming police in riot gear approaching protesters, who could be heard chanting, when an officer asks her to come over and tells her they need her out of the way.

An officer then tells Ruiz to put her phone away and put her hands behind her back because he is going to put her in flex cuffs — plastic handcuffs used by police for protesters. Ruiz identifies herself as a reporter multiple times but is still arrested.

"You had an opportunity to leave. You were told multiple times to leave otherwise you were gonna be arrested," the officer says, according to a livestream which continued after Ruiz placed her phone in her pocket.

She responded that she was on assignment covering the protest.

"Find a different job if this causes you to break the law," the officer says.

As she is escorted away, Ruiz can be heard asking for help.

Apr 30, 9:42 AM
17 protesters arrested at University of Utah, encampment cleared

The University of Utah has removed an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters and arrested 17 people after the university said protesters do not have a right to set up encampments on campus property and threatened to disperse them.

About a dozen tents, stashes of water, food and toilet paper were removed from the encampment.

The university had issued warnings to students, staff and faculty members telling them to remove their encampments, or face consequences, including arrests.

The university had threatened criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges, termination for faculty and staff and discipline for students ranging from probation to suspension against those who refused to leave the encampment.

Apr 30, 4:06 AM
Columbia protesters occupy campus hall

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University occupied a hall on campus early Tuesday, hours after school officials ordered the dispersal of a protest encampment.

Videos viewed by ABC News appeared to show protesters creating a barricade with metal chairs outside Hamilton Hall after midnight.

Several were seen in the videos unrolling protest posters from one of the building's balconies.

It was unclear how many demonstrators had occupied the hall, which is on Amsterdam Avenue. The Columbia Spectator, a campus newspaper, reported the people who were inside were working to block the building's exits with tables, chairs and zip-ties.

Apr 29, 11:35 PM
University of Texas at Austin says it took action to 'preserve a safe, conducive learning environment' for students

After police and protesters clashed on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin following a dispersal order, leading to some arrests on Monday, the school issued a statement, saying it "took swift action to preserve a safe, conducive learning environment for our 53,000 students as they prepare for final exams."

"UT Austin requested backup assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety to protect the safety of the campus community and enforce our Institutional Rules, such as the rule that prohibits encampments on campus. Because of the encampments and other violations of the University’s Institutional Rules related to protests, protestors were told repeatedly to disperse. When they refused to disperse, some arrests were made for trespassing. Others were arrested for disorderly conduct," the university's statement read.

UTA said protests since the start of the Israel-Hamas war have happened "largely without incident."

"The University strongly supports the free speech and assembly rights of our community and we want students and others on campus to know that protests on campus are fully permissible, provided that they do not violate Institutional Rules or threaten the safety of our campus community," the statement concluded.

Apr 29, 10:51 PM
'Multiple arrests' at Virginia Commonwealth University: Officials

"Multiple arrests" were made at Virginia Commonwealth University Monday night, following tense conflict between police and pro-Palestinian protesters on the Richmond campus, officials said.

Addressing the arrests, the university said in a statement that final exams start this week and the school "must provide students the opportunity to safely and successfully complete the semester."

"The gathering violated several university policies. VCU respectfully and repeatedly provided opportunities for those individuals involved -- many of whom were not students -- to collect their belongings and leave," the university's statement continued. "Those who did not leave were subject to arrest for trespassing. While supporting an environment that fosters protected speech and expressive activity, VCU must maintain an atmosphere free of disruption to the university’s mission."

Apr 29, 5:27 PM
Columbia begins suspending students who refuse to leave encampment

A representative from Columbia University said the school has begun suspending students who have defied the 2 p.m. deadline to leave the encampment.

Ben Chang, the vice president of the office of public affairs, did not say how many people would be suspended but said those students would not be able to attend classes or graduate.

The school's campus is still closed to anyone who doesn't have a student ID.

-ABC News' Darren Reynolds

Apr 29, 4:23 PM
Protesters clash with police at UT-Austin

Police and protesters clashed on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin on Monday afternoon after authorities issued a dispersal order.

The UT Austin Police Department asked protesters to leave the South Mall area at about 1 p.m. local time.

Protesters could be heard chanting, "There is no riot here, why are you in riot gear?" Soon after, police moved in to clear the area by force.

The university said in a statement, "After protesters ignored repeated directives from both the administration and law enforcement officers to comply with Institutional Rules and remove tents assembled on the University’s South Lawn, then physically engaged with and verbally assaulted Dean of Students staff who attempted to confiscate them, UT and partner law enforcement agencies dismantled an encampment and arrested several protesters."

It continued, "Baseball size rocks were found strategically placed within the encampment. The majority of protesters are believed to be unaffiliated with the university."

More than 50 people were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest on the campus last week, however, charges were later dropped.

Apr 29, 3:31 PM
Protesters clash with police at UT-Austin

Police and protesters clashed on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin on Monday afternoon after authorities issued a dispersal order.

The UT Austin Police Department asked protesters to leave the South Mall area at about 1 p.m. local time.

Protesters could be heard chanting, "There is no riot here, why are you in riot gear?" Soon after, police moved in to clear the area by force.

More than 50 people were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest on the campus last week, however, charges were later dropped.

Apr 29, 3:05 PM
Columbia protesters defy 2 p.m. deadline to disperse

Protesters camped out at Columbia University are defying the school's order to pack up and leave by 2 p.m.

Sueda Polat, a representative from the protesters' negotiating team, told reporters that the university did not engage in good-faith negotiations and failed to meet their demands to divest from Israel.

"It is against the will of the students to disperse," she said. "We do not abide by university pressures. We act on the will of the students."

Police were outside of the campus as the deadline approached but they did not immediately enter after it passed.

"Students are aware of the risk of law enforcement. ... They know how to come together in that risk," Polat said.

Apr 29, 1:57 PM
Cal Poly Humboldt campus leaders offer escorts to concerned students

Cal Poly Humboldt said it will close off campus to non-school members through May 10 as protesters have occupied two buildings.

Campus leaders also said it will now offer escorts off campus to anyone who feels their safety is threatened.

The school urged the protesters who have been occupying Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East since last week to leave immediately.

"Leaving voluntarily will be considered as a possible mitigating factor in University conduct processes and may reduce the severity of sanctions imposed. This does not, however, eliminate responsibility for any potential conduct or criminal charges."

-ABC News' Bonnie McLean

Apr 29, 12:24 PM
UGA arrests protesters after 'crossing a line,' blocking sidewalks

The University of Georgia-Athens said protesters who set up an encampment on campus "crossed a line" Monday morning and several were arrested.

Approximately "25 protesters began erecting tents and a barricade, blocking sidewalks and building entrances and using amplified sound," school spokesman Greg Trevor said in a statement.

The protesters met with university police and student affairs members to discuss the violation and were given multiple warnings to remove the barriers, but they refused, according to Trevor.

"At 8:30 a.m., UGA Police were left with no choice but to arrest those who refused to comply," he said.

The school did not specify how many people were arrested.

"While we must provide ample opportunity for protected expressive activities, we also have the right and duty to regulate the time, place and manner in which they occur," Trevor said.

-ABC News' Ahmad Hemingway

Apr 29, 11:11 AM
Columbia tells protesters to leave encampment by 2 p.m.

Columbia University has distributed a letter to members of the encampment on campus telling them to gather their belongings and leave the area by 2 p.m., saying if they identify themselves and sign a form "to abide by all University policies through June 30, 2025, or the date of the conferral of your degree, whichever is earlier, you will be eligible to complete the semester in good standing."

The school said it has "already identified many students in the encampment" and "if you do not identify yourself upon leaving and sign the form now, you will not be eligible to sign and complete the semester in good standing." The school warned it could take action up to suspension or expulsion if they do not leave the encampment.

The school reiterated that negotiations with protesters had broken down and said the protests are a "disruption" to those taking final exams and preparing for graduation.

"As you are probably aware, the dialogue between the University and student leaders of the encampment is, regrettably, at an impasse," the letter states. "The current unauthorized encampment and disruption on Columbia University’s campus is creating an unwelcoming environment for members of our community. External actors have also contributed to this environment, especially around our gates, causing safety concerns – including for our neighbors."

Apr 29, 9:09 AM
Columbia cannot come to agreement with protesters, president says

Protesters at Columbia University, who sparked many of the protests across the nation earlier this month, are now being asked to voluntarily disperse after the school's president said it was not able to come to an agreement through negotiations.

Since Wednesday, "a small group of academic leaders has been in constructive dialogue with student organizers to find a path that would result in the dismantling of the encampment and adherence to University policies going forward. Regretfully, we were not able to come to an agreement," Columbia President Minouche Shafik said in a statement Monday morning.

One of the top demands of the protesters, for Columbia to divest from Israel, was flatly denied by the university, according to the statement.

The school asked protesters, who number in the hundreds, to voluntarily disperse, but offered no explanation for what would happen if they did not. The school said it did not "want to deprive thousands of students and their families and friends of a graduation celebration." The school's graduation ceremony is set to be held May 15.

"We urge those in the encampment to voluntarily disperse," Shafik wrote. "We are consulting with a broader group in our community to explore alternative internal options to end this crisis as soon as possible. We will continue to update the community with new developments."

Apr 29, 8:54 AM
Dozens of arrests made at Virginia Tech

Police cleared out an encampment at Virginia Tech late Sunday after protesters had set up tents on the lawn of the campus' Graduate Life Center.

"Those who gathered were advised by university officials to remove their possessions and to disperse voluntarily; those who failed to comply were then approached by Virginia Tech Police and were again asked to leave and advised that anyone who failed to comply would be charged with trespassing, in accordance with Virginia law," the school said in a statement.

The university added, "At approximately 10:15 p.m., police approached protesters to ask them to disperse within five minutes. Those who remained were subject to arrest."

Dozens of protesters were taken into custody, according to Lynchburg, Virginia, ABC affiliate WSET.

Apr 28, 8:52 PM
UCLA increases security measures after physical altercations during protest

UCLA announced it is instituting additional security measures amid protests on campus over the Israel-Hamas war in a statement on Sunday.

"UCLA has a long history of peaceful protest and we are heartbroken to report that today, some physical altercations broke out among demonstrators on Royce Quad," Mary Osako, vice chancellor of UCLA Strategic Communications said.

"We have since instituted additional security measures and increased the numbers of our safety team members on site," Osako said.

"As an institution of higher education, we stand firmly for the idea that even when we disagree, we must still engage respectfully and recognize one another’s humanity," Osako continued.

Addressing the physical altercations during the protests, Osako said, "We are dismayed that certain individuals instead chose to jeopardize the physical safety of the community."

Last week, the University of California rejected calls to divest from companies that do business with Israel.

Apr 28, 10:07 AM
White House: 'We don't want to see anybody hurt in the process'

The White House said Sunday that President Joe Biden respects the right of demonstrators to make their voices heard -- peacefully -- and "we don't want to see anybody hurt in the process."

"The president knows that there are very strong feelings about the war in Gaza. He understands that, he respects that, and as he has said many times, we certainly respect the right of peaceful protest. People should have the ability to air their views and to share their perspectives publicly, but it has to be peaceful," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told ABC News' This Week anchor George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.

Kirby did warn that some language heard during the demonstrations crossed a line with the administration.

"We absolutely condemn the antisemitism language that we've heard of late, and we certainly condemn all the hate speech and the threats of violence out there. These protests, we understand they're important, but they do need to be peaceful," he said.

"We'll leave it to local authorities to determine how these protests are managed," Kirby told Stephanopoulos, "but we want them to be peaceful protests and obviously we don't want to see anybody hurt in the process of peacefully protesting."

Apr 28, 12:07 AM
USC temporarily closes main campus due to 'disruption,' LAPD issues alert

The University of Southern California closed its main campus Saturday evening "due to a disturbance," the university said on X.

Los Angeles Police Department issued a citywide tactical alert due to a protest on USC's campus, urging people to avoid the area.

A tactical alert allows LAPD to keep officers on past their shifts and to move officers between divisions if they need extra staffing in one area of the city.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- After weeks of tabloid intrigue, sex scandals and celebrity gossip, Day 12 of Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial took a decidedly drier turn -- and while the testimony might not have been as riveting as days prior, it included perhaps the most consequential content to date.

Two longtime employees at the Trump Organization testified Monday about their role in executing a string of payments to Michael Cohen in 2017, and jurors for the first time saw the allegedly falsified business records associated with those transactions.

Trump is on trial for allegedly falsifying business records to hide the reimbursement of a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election. The former president has denied all wrongdoing.

Before testimony resumed Monday, Judge Juan Merchan found Trump in criminal contempt for a 10th violation of his limited gag order -- and leveled his most stirring threat to incarcerate the former president for future infractions.

Here are the top takeaways from Day 12 of the trial:

Trump again found in contempt, threatened with jail

Judge Juan Merchan found Trump in criminal contempt for yet again violating his limited gag order that prevents Trump from targeting witnesses, jurors and others involved in the case -- and the judge leveled his most stirring threat to throw the former president in jail if he continues to flout the court's rules.

"It appears that the $1,000 fines are not serving as a deterrent," Merchan said. "Going forward, this court will have to consider a jail sentence."

"Mr. Trump, the last thing I want to do is put you in jail," Merchan said, directly addressing Trump. "You are the former president of the United States, and possibly the next president as well."

Merchan found that Trump violated the gag order when he made remarks about the case's jury on April 22 during an interview on Real America's Voice, after the trial had started.

The ruling comes after Merchan earlier found Trump in contempt for nine previous violations of the trial's limited gag order, for which Trump paid $1,000 for each violation.

Cohen payment paper trail comes into focus

Jurors for the first time had an opportunity to see and hear about all 34 business records that prosecutors claim were falsely filed -- the invoices, checks, and general ledger entries that cut to the core of the district attorney's case.

In painstaking detail, Jeffrey McConney, the Trump Organization's retired controller, and Deborah Tarasoff, the company's accounts payable supervisor, testified about their role in the issuing twelve payments to Michael Cohen in 2017 in repayment for Stormy Daniels' hush payment.

The process included internal correspondence about the transactions, paystubs, checks, invoices, and account details with each invoice marked as "legal expense" -- every piece of the paper trail for twelve transactions for $35,000 to Cohen, Trump's former fixer and attorney.

Donald Trump was in the White House by 2017, and Tarasoff testified about how they would send checks to Washington, D.C., by FedEx, for the president to sign.

"Even when he was in D.C., no one else had authority to sign the checks?" a prosecutor asked.

"That's right," Tarasoff said.

As part of this line of inquiry, the jury saw checks bearing Trump's familiar jagged signature.

Was Cohen payment a reimbursement or legal expense?

Prosecutors worked to show that the payments to Cohen were reimbursements for the $130,000 he transmitted to an attorney for Stormy Daniels to buy her silence ahead of the 2016 election.

Jurors saw an accounting document with longtime Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg's "chicken scratch notes," as McConney called them -- arithmetic for a payment the Trump Organization would make in 12 installments to Cohen, which including a reference to a "reimbursement."

But Emil Bove, an attorney for Trump, made a concise case for his client's innocence during his cross-examination of McConney: Cohen was a lawyer, and he was paid legal fees.

"Michael Cohen was a lawyer?" Bove asked.

"OK," McConney scoffed. "Sure, yes."

"And payments to lawyers by the Trump Organization are legal expenses, right?" Bove asked.

"Yes," McConney said.

Bove also sought to frame the use of the "legal expense" nomenclature as the result of the Trump Organization's "antiquated" internal payment system, akin to selecting a choice from a "drop down menu" of payment options.

Prosecutors say their case should take two more weeks

Before proceedings concluded Monday afternoon, Judge Merchan asked prosecutors how they were doing on scheduling.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said the state's case will likely take another two weeks, give or take.

That will be followed by the defense's case, and then the state's rebuttal.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- A man who lived with his mother allegedly murdered her and left her body in the bathtub inside their shared home, police say.

Jeremy Gentry, a 48-year-old man from Fruitland, Maryland, has been charged with first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault and reckless endangerment after Beatrice Kay Gentry, 68, was found dead inside their home on the 200 block of Sand Castle Boulevard, according to the Maryland State Police.

Police were first alerted to the incident shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Sunday when the Fruitland Police Department and emergency medical service personnel were dispatched to the residence on regarding a report of “an unconscious woman,” according to the Maryland State Police.

“Once they entered the home, police and EMS personnel located an unresponsive woman in the bathtub,” authorities said. “EMS personnel pronounced her deceased on the scene. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was subsequently requested by the Fruitland Police Department to assume the investigation.”

The deceased was subsequently identified as Beatrice Kay Gentry who shared the home with her son, Jeremy Gentry, police said.

The cause and manner of Gentry’s death are currently pending autopsy results and police did not disclose a possible motive in her alleged murder.

“Maryland State Police Forensic Crime Scene Technicians processed the scene for evidence,” authorities said. “Further investigative efforts revealed Jeremy Gentry as the suspect. Subsequent consultation with the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office led to State Police investigators obtaining an arrest warrant for Jeremy Gentry.”

Police say that Gentry was arrested on Monday morning without incident.

Gentry is currently awaiting a bond hearing before a Wicomico County District Court Commissioner while an investigation into the alleged murder is being conducted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Snow Hill Police Department and the Fruitland Police Department.

The investigation into Gentry’s death is currently ongoing.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- A series of bomb threats targeting annual Pride events in Montana were deemed to be hoaxes “used to try to dissuade people from participating” in the LGBTQ+ celebrations, police say.

Two threats were made on Saturday and Sunday when the Bozeman Police Department investigated two bomb threats that “occurred within the city limits of Bozeman,” according to a statement from the Bozeman Police Department. Two other similar bomb threats were received by authorities on Friday.

After police conducted an investigation into the threats along with federal law enforcement partners, they determined that the threats lacked credibility and that authorities were “doing all we can to identify the source,” police said.

“As a city, we remain vigilant and take these threats of violence seriously. The businesses and individuals targeted had connections to our upcoming Pride events and tactics like these have frequently been used to try to dissuade people from participating,” according to the Bozeman Police Department. “As Bozeman looks to host Pride Week again this year, we stand committed to protecting our community, especially those of the LGBTQ+ community, so that everyone feels safe to celebrate.”

It is unclear whether the source of the bomb threats were from the same individual or group but areas of the city were cordoned off and several buildings and surrounding business were evacuated following the initial two threats that came in on Friday, police said.

“Detectives began investigating the leads, ultimately determining that the email originated from an unknown account holder in Nigeria, Africa,” said the Bozeman Police Department. “Detectives also learned from Federal partners that similar emails had been received by other businesses throughout the nation and were believed to be hoaxes. It appears at this time that these threats were related to planned PRIDE events next month.”

“Hate and threats of violence to our residents have no place in Bozeman and are not representative of who we are. As we approach Pride events and beyond, we will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to keep our community safe,” authorities continued. “We remain dedicated to being a welcoming community for all, and as always, we urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity to immediately report incidents to the police.”

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- Boeing's first astronaut-crewed flight into space has been called off due to a stuck valve on the spacecraft’s rocket Monday, the United Launch Alliance announced.

The Starliner Crew Flight Test, developed in collaboration with NASA's Commercial Crew Program, was set to launch from Space Launch Complex-41 atop an Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 10:34 p.m. ET before it was called off.

"ULA Launch Director Tom Heter III has made the decision to the launch team that launch operations will not continue tonight," the United Launch Alliance said in an update on X (formally Twitter) Monday evening.

The Starliner's next possible launch opportunity is Tuesday at 10:11 p.m. ET, however, it is unconfirmed if it will take place at that time.

The Starliner is designed to carry a seven-person crew, but aboard the "test drive" launch will be NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore, 61, a former U.S. Navy captain who will be commanding the flight, and Sunita Williams, 58, a former Navy service member who will be piloting the flight.

Before the delay, the capsule was scheduled to reach the ISS in 26 hours. Wilmore and Williams were set to stay at the station for nearly a week before returning to Earth aboard the Starliner once more.

Monday would have marked the first crewed flight for Boeing's Starliner, which has faced several setbacks and delays along its rival journey with Space X's Crew Dragon, also a part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

During the Starliner's first test launch in 2019, the unpiloted capsule failed to make it to the space station because a software error stopped the capsule's flight computer from loading the correct launch time, according to the aerospace company at the time.

The second official launch, also unpiloted, came in May 2022 and was a success, Boeing said at the time, with the Starliner reaching and docking at the space station and safely returning and landing back on Earth.

Despite the success, crews found issues with the capsule's parachute system and that adhesive tape used to cover wiring on the spacecraft could be flammable, according to Boeing.

These issues ultimately delayed Boeing's planned, crewed launch another year, from 2023 to 2024.

During a press conference last week, Mark Nappi, Boeing vice president and program manager of the Commercial Crew Program maintained, "We are to a state now where we are ready to perform the test flight."

"I've never felt readier on any mission that I've ever participated in," he said.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- Prosecutors in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial called Jeffrey McConney, the Trump Organization's longtime controller, as their next witness on Monday.

McConney allegedly received and processed nearly a dozen fraudulent invoices from Michael Cohen to reimburse him for paying Stormy Daniels a $130,000 hush money payment just days ahead of the 2016 election.

Prosecutors allege that Trump disguised the reimbursement as legal expenses to hide the hush-money payment from voters.

McConney served as the Trump Organization's controller for more than 20 years before leaving the company with a $500,000 severance payment amid multiple criminal and civil investigations.

Earlier this year, McConney was also found liable for committing a decade of business fraud with his co-defendants Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Allen Weisselberg. Judge Arthur Engoron permanently banned McConney from running the finances of a New York company, though McConney was the only one of his co-defendants not to be fined in the civil case.

In his order, Engoron described McConney's credibility as "compromised" based on his testimony in the civil trial.

McConney initially denied that Weisselberg, the former Trump Organization CFO, asked for his help committing tax fraud, but later admitted that Weisselberg asked for help committing tax fraud on multiple occasions. Engoron also found that McConney's testimony about hiding information from the Trump Organization's accountants was "belied" by the testimony of other witnesses during the trial.

Despite the problems with Trump's financial statements – the fraudulent documents at the center of the civil trial – McConney testified that, "I feel great. I have no problems with the work I did on this."

McConney broke down to tears at one point of his testimony during the civil trial after a defense lawyer asked about why he left the Trump Organization.

"I just couldn't do it anymore," McConney testified, reminiscing about the family-like feel of the Trump Organization and frequent outings with Weisselberg. "I just wanted to relax and stop being accused of misrepresenting assets for the company that I loved working for."

"I got to do a lot of things normally an accountant wouldn't be able to do. I'm very proud of the work I did for 35 years," McConney added while fighting back tears.

McConney is now retired and is receiving a $500,000 severance payment from the Trump Organization. When questioned about the agreement, McConney could not recall if the severance agreement — like Weisselberg's severance agreement — prevented voluntary cooperation with investigations adverse to the Trump Organization.

McConney was referenced in Trump's criminal indictment as the "TO Controller" and had a significant role in dictating how Michael Cohen's invoices were processed by the Trump Organization.

Prosecutors allege that Trump falsified business records in 2017 when he classified Michael Cohen's reimbursement for a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels as legal expenses pursuant to a retainer agreement. Trump's 34 criminal counts are based on the 12 ledger entries, 11 checks, and 11 invoices processed by the Trump Organization in 2017.

According to prosecutors, Cohen emailed his first fraudulent invoice to McConney on Feb. 14, 2017.

"Pursuant to the retainer agreement, kindly remit payment for services rendered for the months of January and February, 2017," Cohen wrote in the email to McConney to prosecutors.

McConney approved the payment and sent the invoice to an accounts payable supervisor at the Trump Organization with the instruction to "Post to legal expenses. Put 'retainer for the months of January and February 2017'" according to prosecution.

In his opening statement two weeks ago, defense lawyer Todd Blanche argued that McConney was calling the shots at the Trump Organization and did not involve Trump with the processing of the invoices.

"He's not gonna say he talked to President Trump about it. He's not going to say that he called the White House and interrupted a meeting as President Trump was running the country and said: Hey, we got this invoice, I know we're trying to cover it up here. Absolutely not," Blanche said.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(PITTSBURGH) -- A Pennsylvania church pastor said it's a "miracle" he's alive after an assailant drew a gun on him and pulled the trigger as he was giving a sermon Sunday about the "enemies of God."

The Rev. Glenn Germany of the Jesus' Dwelling Place Church in the Pittsburgh suburb of North Braddock told "Good Morning America" that the suspect, who police said lived in a home near the church where officers found a man dead from a gunshot wound, was a stranger to his congregation.

The incident was captured on a livestream video of Germany's sermon and showed a church deacon, Clarence McCallister, tackling the assailant from behind when the suspect's silver handgun jammed.

"He pulled the trigger and a miracle of God happened that the gun got jammed. That bullet had a name on it," Germany told "GMA."

The suspect, identified by police as 26-year-old Bernard Junior Polite, was arrested at the church after McCallister and Germany disarmed him and other members of the congregation held him until Pennsylvania State Police arrived.

Following the arrest, Allegheny County authorities said investigators went to the suspect's home and found the body of a 56-year-old man who had been fatally shot. The victim was identified by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office as Derek Polite.

Authorities have not commented on the relationship between the deceased victim and the suspect.

Bernard Polite allegedly gave a jailhouse confession to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Adam J. Sikorski, saying he attempted to take Germany's life, according to a criminal complaint. Polite, according to the complaint, allegedly told the trooper, "God told him to do it."

The attempted church shooting unfolded around 1 p.m. Sunday as Germany stood in the pulpit giving a sermon.

Germany said he noticed the suspect enter the church and said the man even smiled at him before allegedly approaching the pulpit and aiming the gun directly at the pastor. In the livestream video, Germany is seen darting behind a podium as McCallister sprang into action and tackled the suspect.

"I just jumped up and ... pulled his arm down to his side and locked him up," McCallister told "GMA."

As the livestream continued, McCallister and Germany were recorded wrestling the gun out of the assailant's hand.

"I think that was an act of heroism if I've ever seen one," Germany said of McCallister's actions.

The suspect is facing charges of recklessly endangering another person and aggravated assault. State police are also investigating his connection to a man found fatally shot in the suspect's North Braddock home, officials said.

Information on Polite's arraignment and whether he has a legal representative were not immediately available.

In his alleged confession, Polite said he was at home and heard music coming from the church and decided to go inside, according to the criminal complaint. He allegedly told Trooper Sikorski that he attempted to shoot the pastor "so that he could go to jail and clear his mind," according to the criminal complaint.

ABC News' Victoria Arancio contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

(NEW YORK) -- Donald Trump is standing trial in New York on felony charges connected with hush money paid to allegedly conceal claims of an affair from voters before the 2016 presidential election.

It's a historic event -- at a time when Americans are also weighing who to vote for in the former president's upcoming rematch with Joe Biden.

Trump denies all wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty. He says the alleged affair never happened.

But polls show the charges carry some electoral risk: A poll conducted by ABC News and Ipsos in April 2023 found that 52% of Americans viewed the New York charges against Trump as significant.

And a new ABC News/Ipsos poll found that a fifth of Trump's supporters said they would either reconsider their support (16%) or withdraw it (4%) if he's convicted of a felony.

At the same time, with the weekslong trial still ongoing, the details don't appear to be changing many minds, according to recent interviews with seven voters who were polled by ABC and Ipsos last year, both those who felt Trump's charges were at least somewhat serious and those who didn't.

The voter interviews suggested that their strong opinions of the former president are coloring how they are reacting to the twists and turns of the hush money trial -- rather than the other way around.

"Yes," Charles Carabelli, a Michigan retiree who identifies as an independent and said last year the charges were very serious, told ABC News when asked if he was keeping up with the trial. "And I hope he [Trump] gets convicted."

When pressed on what makes him think the case is serious, rather than pointing to specific details, Carabelli tied his views to his opinion of Trump more broadly: "Because he's a shyster and a liar. And he lied to the American people. He's all about himself."

James Mitchell, a retired lawyer and Republican from Wyoming, indicated he didn't feel the trial would ultimately matter.

"Am I really keeping up on it? Not really because, yes, it's serious, [but] I think the system's rigged," said Mitchell, who last year called the charges somewhat serious.

Interviews with Trump's defenders showed a similar trend.

Ray Flores, a 77-year-old Marine Corps veteran and Republican who lives in Dyer, Indiana, said he voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020 and has been keeping up with the trial as well but believes it is a "sham," echoing claims of persecution from Trump himself, which prosecutors deny. Flores said in last year's poll that he felt the hush money charges were not serious.

"It's all political what they're doing to Trump," he said in an interview. "Everything was good four years ago. I have no complaints from then."

One of the voters who said last year that the case was very serious expressed openness to coming around to Trump -- entirely separate from the details of the case.

Felicia Anderson, a home health nurse from Fullerton, California, said in an interview that she's leaning toward voting for President Biden in November. But a change in tone from Trump could sway her.

"To me, he talks down to people. If he would learn not to talk down to people, oh, he has me," Anderson, who said she identifies as a Democratic-leaning independent, told ABC News.

Some outside political experts predicted that any political fallout from the trial may be blunted unless Trump ends up behind bars -- an unlikely scenario for a first-time offender in a case such as the one in New York.

"I think they're probably following it less closely, and it's just kind of background noise right now," GOP pollster Robert Blizzard said of voters. "Now, if something happens, he gets thrown in jail or there's some huge thing that comes out that nobody knows about yet, that has the potential to maybe shift some attitudes."

"But Trump's gonna get what Trump's gonna get," Blizzard said, referencing the former president's likely share of the electorate.

Experts note that Trump, a brash-talking and often controversial real estate mogul and former reality TV star with universal name recognition and a well-established public persona, has seen his political career survive a series of scandals, none of which have upended his standing with the Republican base. Early polls this year show him in a close race with Biden.

"The attitudes toward everything revolving around Trump's legal issues coincides directly with your preconceived attitudes toward Trump," Blizzard, the pollster, said.

That's not to say the trial hasn't been newsy, including fights over Trump's conduct regarding a gag order, headline-making details about how a tabloid publisher said he worked to quash unflattering stories for Trump and emotional testimony from a former aide.

Trump faces other notable legal problems, including three other pending trials -- over his alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving office and his efforts to overturn his 2020 loss. He has pleaded not guilty in all cases.

But even if any of those cases are heard ahead of the election -- a big if -- the political fallout could remain the same without a conviction or acquittal before voting ends, Blizzard said.

"When we do an open-ended question on a survey or when you're doing qualitative focus groups or things like that, nobody is bringing up Trump trials organically," he told ABC News. "It's just not in the bloodstream and not something that people are paying attention to on a day-to-day basis as much as the media thinks."

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.