Former US President Donald Trump made history on Thursday by becoming the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. A New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to conceal a payment made to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 election.

After two days of deliberation, the 12-member jury unanimously found Trump guilty on all 34 counts, according to Reuters. Sentencing has been scheduled by Justice Juan Merchan for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention, where Trump is expected to be formally nominated as the Republican candidate for president.

Justice Merchan thanked the jurors for their service, emphasizing their autonomy: "Nobody can make you do anything you don’t want to do. The choice is yours."

This verdict plunges the United States into uncharted waters ahead of the November 5 presidential election, where Trump, the Republican nominee, will vie to reclaim the White House from Democratic President Joe Biden.

Trump faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison. However, those convicted of similar crimes often receive shorter sentences, fines, or probation. He will not be incarcerated before sentencing, and incarceration would not prevent him from campaigning or assuming office if elected.

Trump, 77, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and is expected to appeal. Speaking outside the courtroom, he declared, "We didn't do a thing wrong, I am a very innocent man. We'll keep fighting. We'll fight to the end, and we'll win." He added, "The real verdict is going to be on November 5 by the people. This was a rigged decision from day one."

Opinion polls show a tight race between Trump and Biden, 81. Reuters/Ipsos polling suggests that a guilty verdict could affect Trump's support among independent and Republican voters. A source close to Trump's campaign indicated that the verdict might prompt him to consider selecting a woman as his vice presidential running mate.

Trump gave a thumbs-up through the tinted window of his SUV as his motorcade left the courthouse, where supporters, journalists, police, and onlookers had gathered.

Republicans swiftly condemned the verdict. "Today is a shameful day in American history," stated House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson.

The verdict also galvanized Trump's long-time donors to increase their financial support. Trump's fundraising website, WinRed, temporarily crashed following the verdict due to a surge in donations. Mega donors, including casino billionaire Miriam Adelson and hotelier Robert Bigelow, pledged substantial sums to bolster pro-Trump campaigns.

Robert Bigelow, who has previously donated over $9 million to support Trump, called the criminal proceedings a "disgrace" and committed an additional $5 million. Don Tapia, a former Trump ambassador to Jamaica, along with his network, planned to donate around $250,000. Silicon Valley tech investor Shaun Maguire announced on social media that he had donated $300,000.

The jury's decision came after a six-week trial featuring explicit testimony from porn star Stormy Daniels, who claimed she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006 while he was married to Melania Trump. Trump has denied the encounter ever took place.

(With inputs from Reuters).