A man set himself on fire across the street from the New York courthouse where former President Donald Trump is being tried for an alleged hush money payment.
On Friday, with several news cameras present, a man set himself on fire at around 1:30 p.m. The act occurred near where a group of Trump supporters were protesting. The presence of security barricades hampered a response from police and emergency services.
According to police, the man walked into the park, took out some papers out of his backpack, then doused himself in a liquid they assume was an accelerant and lit himself on fire. Flames and smoke broke out around the body.
Several people tried unsuccessfully to extinguish the fire with their coats. A video showed the man being sprayed with a fire extinguisher. The fire burned for nearly two minutes before being extinguished.
The man was seen in another video being taken away on a stretcher by first responders.
In a press conference, police identified the man as Max Azzarello from St. Augustine, Florida. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described him as a “conspiracy theorist” who distributed “propaganda” pamphlets before lighting himself on fire. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard said officials do not believe his actions were intended to harm anyone and were not directed at Trump or his supporters.
Police said that Azzarello is alive and being treated at a hospital, but he is in critical condition.
Kenny said they’ve spoken with his family, who were unaware that Azzarello was even in New York. Based on camera footage, police said they believe Azzarello arrived in New York sometime after Saturday.
Azzarello published a manifesto, which was also distributed at the scene, warning of a global fascist conspiracy and takeover. His social media was filled with posts on this subject.
Police said they are searching the area for any secondary explosives. Though the park remains open, it might be closed down.
The incident occurred moments after a full jury of 12 New Yorkers and six alternatives were seated at Trump’s trial. With those in the court unaware of what was going on outside, Judge Juan Merchan had just dismissed the jurors until Monday at 9:30 a.m., the Associated Press reported.
“It’s obviously very sad news,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday when asked about the incident. She dodged questions about additional security in New York, citing the “developing” situation and the role of local authorities.
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This is a breaking news story and may be updated.
