A jury found former President Donald Trump guilty Thursday of all 34 counts against him in a criminal trial over whether he tried to influence the 2016 election by falsifying business records through payments to an adult film actress to keep her quiet about his alleged sexual encounter.
The charges, including one that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison, come as Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in the 2024 election, allegedly disguised a hush money payment as a legal expense. It is the first time that a former president of the United States has been convicted of serious crimes.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 11 and he has already said he will appeal the verdict.
Here is a selection of reactions to the verdict from Nevada political leaders:
Statement from Governor Joe Lombardo (R):
“I respect the work of the jury, but I believe this has been a political witch hunt in a hostile courtroom…President Trump will have the opportunity to appeal, and I hope that a fair process will vindicate President Trump.”
Statement from the Nevada Republican Party:
“The partisan farce that unfolded today can be described as nothing less than a radicalized campaign stunt born of a highly contentious trial. “We fully support President Donald J. Trump and resist the charges upheld in today’s ruling.”
Statement from Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV):
“We know that Donald Trump is willing to do anything to protect his own interests, including undermining our elections. No one is above the law and I am glad that justice is done today.”
Statement from Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV):
“For the first time in our nation’s history, a former president is found guilty of committing multiple felonies. “Today our justice system has shown that Donald Trump, a morally bankrupt individual who was impeached twice, impeached four times, is not above the law.”
Statement from Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV):
“If you think justice is blind in New York City, you better think again. It is a sad and embarrassing day for a country that for hundreds of years has operated under the premise that prosecutions and politics should never mix” .
Statement from Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown:
“This has been a sham impeachment from the beginning, all because DC Democrats are afraid to LOSE and answer for their failures in November.”
Statement from Attorney General Aaron Ford (D):
“At the center of our country’s legal system is the idea that a person must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their political career… I know emotions can run high after this verdict, and I urge everyone to keep calm while Our justice system continues its work.”
Statement of fFormer Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt (R):
“The degree to which the Democratic Party and Soros-backed partisan prosecutors are willing to damage the integrity of our Republic to further their own political advantage is horrifying and sinister. …Let us hope that this false conviction of President Trump is overturned as soon as possible.”
Statement from former Nevada Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Tarkanian:
“Whether you believe justice was served or it was a sham, today is undoubtedly a sad day for our great nation. “This moment is a great shame for the world.”
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