Thread by @TylerMcBrien

So what exactly happened when Justice Merchan ordered everyone out of the courtroom during *that* tense moment earlier today?

Thanks to Lisa Kramsky, Senior Court Reporter, and the magic of transcripts, now we know. 🧵⌨️

https://twitter.com/TylerMcBrien/status/1792647691786223919

During Costello's testimony, ADA Susan Hoffinger was on high alert and issued a flurry of objections—which Merchan rightfully sustained.

Costello got testy, letting out a "jeeze" at one point, and said "strike it" another time.

Merchan wasn't having it, and excused the jury.

Justice Merchan then gave Costello a little talking to about "proper decorum" in his courtroom.

Seemingly satisfied, the judge called the jury back in...

...except Costello continued to shoot daggers at Justice Merchan, whose patience had run out at that point, leading him to direct the court officers to "clear the courtroom."

Despite the press lawyer's best efforts to keep this important interaction in open court, thus ensuring the press and public's access, everyone was swept out.

Courtroom cleared, Merchan acknowledged the importance of access, and noted the record would not be sealed.

Then he got down to business, calling Costello's conduct contemptuous, putting him on notice, and threatening to strike his entire testimony.

Just as the matter seemed settled, Costello, in all his temerity, tried to discuss it with Justice Merchan—but the judge wasn't having it.

And then, like school kids on a field trip boarding the bus to return home, the press files back into the courtroom to a chorus of "same seats, same seats, same seats..."

And of course, Costello isn't done.

What will tomorrow's testimony bring?

We'll find out together. See you then.

[FIN]