Woodward claimed that the same protesters were present during the jury’s break. However, the security officer responsible for escorting the jurors revealed a different story. She testified that she only saw the flag-bearing protester and could not recall the content of his sign.
This seasoned courthouse security officer, with six years of experience under her belt, explained that she had taken the 12 jurors outside for a breath of “fresh air” at their request. She directed them to a ramp heading north, placing them approximately 30 feet away from the flag-waving protester. Interestingly, none of the jurors wore their court-issued juror identification badges, and no one from the crowd approached them during their brief respite.
Verdict and Potential Influence
Approximately 20 minutes after the jurors returned from their break to resume deliberations, they promptly informed court staff of their verdict. The entire deliberation process spanned a mere three hours.
During the contentious hearing, John Rowley of SECIL Law PLLC, another of Navarro’s attorneys, probed the security officer about additional protesters present after the verdict. He mentioned two anti-Navarro demonstrators holding signs that read, “Defend Democracy” and “Bro should’ve pled the 5th [Amendment].” However, the security officer’s testimony reiterated her sole observation of the flag-bearing protester.
