On Thursday, May 30, 2024, after weeks of testimony and days of deliberation in a New York courtroom, former president Trump was found guilty on thirty-four felony counts.
Twelve courageous men and women served as jurors, braving the constant threat of retribution from Trump and his followers. The jury turned in a verdict of “guilty” on all counts of influencing the outcome of the 2016 election. Trump is now the first convicted ex-president in American history. Sentencing will occur in July.
This day is historic on many levels. It shows that no one is above the law, even a former President. Faith in our justice system is restored when those who have held the most powerful office in the land are held accountable for their crimes. The systems put in place by the founders of our nation ensure that elections and jury trials are decided by the common citizen. Every one of us possesses the same courage that the New York jury showed as they continued to serve, ignoring the commentary coming from Trump despite his gag order. Threats came from his adult sons, Trump followers, and former insurrectionists, who promised to make January 6th look like a training day if they lost this November.
Instead, we push forward as those jurors did. They did their job in the courtroom; now we have a job to do in November. We celebrate the verdict knowing that it sets the stage for future trials of Trump’s greater crimes. We celebrate yet know that we still must turn out in the greatest numbers we can muster for a November victory. No one can sit this election out. Trump’s followers are more motivated than ever before. They’ll be there to gaslight bully, and terrify us, attempting to stop us from voting.
Let this jury of twelve men and women be an inspiration. They did their job in carrying this trial through to its ultimate goal: justice. This battle for upholding Democracy was won.
Together, let’s win the war.
