U.S. citizens hope to witness ‘history’ as they line up to watch Trump trial

Courtroom hopefuls brave weather to witness Trump's criminal trial, paying for line sitters to secure spots. Historic, intense experience.

A handful of courtroom hopefuls have braved all kinds of weather as they queue to catch a glimpse of Donald Trump's seismic New York criminal trial, sometimes paying lavishly for "sitters" to hold their places in line.

Teacher Richard Partington, 43, described the trial as "one of the most fascinating and exciting experiences of my life," arriving outside the imposing courthouse two days before proceedings to boost his chances of getting inside.

After running the gauntlet of strict security checkpoints, ancient elevators and a long fluorescent-lit corridor, Mr. Partington and six or seven others have each day been able to watch the first-ever criminal case play out against a former U.S. president.

Mr. Trump is accused of falsifying business records to hide a reimbursement to his former lawyer Michael Cohen for paying off porn star Stormy Daniels, with whom it is claimed the property tycoon had a sexual encounter.

On hard wooden benches, the public spectators have joined around 50 journalists and Mr. Trump's entourage of Republican grandees, supporters and family to see the twists and turns of the historic court case.

"I learned a lot from the news, but I think there's some truth that you really pick up when you're in the courtroom — you see Donald Trump walking by eight times a day, you see the judge (and) the jury," said Mr. Partington.

"The result of this trial will likely sway this election in one way," he added, affirming his fear of a second Trump presidency.