NEW YORK CITY, NY – A Florida man has died after setting himself on fire outside a courthouse in New York City, where the hush money trial of former President Donald Trump is being held, according to authorities.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) identified the man as 37-year-old Max Azzarello. Witnesses reported seeing Azzarello pour fluid over himself and ignite the fire at approximately 1:39 p.m. local time on Friday.
A police briefing held shortly after the incident revealed that Azzarello had recently arrived in New York from Florida. He walked into Collect Pond Park, scattered papers and pamphlets from a backpack, and then set himself on fire. Police described the circulated materials as resembling “conspiracy-theory type” pamphlets.
After igniting the fire, Azzarello collapsed onto a police barrier. Civilians and court officers attempted to extinguish the flames using coats and fire extinguishers before the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) arrived and finally put out the fire.
Azzarello was transported to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center’s burn center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries on Friday night. Four of the police officers who responded to the scene also suffered minor injuries.
While the incident occurred near the courthouse where Trump’s trial is being held, officials stated that Azzarello did not appear to target any specific person or group, and he had published a social media statement prior to the self-immolation. Witnesses recall papers being thrown by Azzarello, containing accusations directed towards New York University.