An individual set themselves on fire outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial was taking place. The incident, which occurred on a Friday afternoon, drew immediate attention from various media outlets, including Fox News and CNN. According to reports, the man involved in this self-immolation was seen engulfed in flames in front of the courthouse, causing significant alarm and confusion among onlookers.
Newsweek’s Katherine Fung, reporting from inside the courthouse, mentioned hearing sirens shortly after the incident began. CNN’s Laura Coates described the scene as chaotic, with multiple fires visible on the individual’s body. The Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information for the NYPD confirmed that first responders were quickly dispatched to assist the individual at the scene.
The New York Police Department later held a press conference to provide updates. They identified the individual as Maxwell Azzarello from St. Augustine, Florida. According to NYPD, at around 1:30 p.m. EST, Azzarello entered Collect Pond Park, took out pamphlets from his backpack, poured an accelerant over himself, and set himself on fire. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
The incident occurred during the fourth day of Donald Trump’s trial, where he is accused of making hush money payments to Stormy Daniels in 2016. The trial is part of an indictment by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has charged Trump with falsifying New York business records to conceal information during the 2016 presidential election. Trump has denied all charges related to the case.
