Former President Trump’s hush money case criminal trial was underway at the Manhattan Criminal Court on Friday (April 19). A man from Florida set himself on fire outside the court and was confirmed dead by the New York City Police Department early Saturday.
The incident occurred in a barricaded park across from the court around 1:30 PM Eastern Time on Friday. It was the fourth day of the trial involving Trump’s hush money case, and the jury members had been finalized.
Caught on camera set up outside the court, the man burned for several minutes. Disturbing footage showed the individual maintaining a seated position as flames engulfed him entirely, and his charred body convulsed on the ground when people rushed over with fire extinguishers.
According to Reuters, a spokesman for the New York Police Department stated that the man was pronounced dead after spending the night in the hospital. Officials had previously described his condition as critical.
Witnesses reported that the man in his 30s took a booklet out of his backpack, threw it in the air, doused himself with a liquid, and set himself on fire. One of the booklets mentioned an “evil billionaire,” but witnesses informed Reuters that Trump was not mentioned in the visible contents of the booklet.
Tarik Sheppard, Deputy Director of Public Information, stated during a press conference, “We are now slapping him [the self-immolating man] with the label of conspiracy theorist, and we will start from there [with the investigation].”
Authorities identified the man as Max Azzarello, who recently arrived in New York from Florida. His actions seem to not have been directed at Trump or other individuals involved in the trial.
Law enforcement is reviewing security protocols, including whether to restrict access to the park. The alley through which Trump enters and leaves the courthouse is off-limits.
Deputy Director Kaz Daughtry mentioned at a press conference outside the court on Friday, “We may have to close off this area.” He added that officials would soon discuss security plans.
Editor: Liu Ying