New York City, USA – A tragic incident unfolded outside the Manhattan court where former President Donald Trump’s hush-money trial is taking place. A 37-year-old man, Maxwell Azzarello, tragically set himself on fire and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The unsettling event occurred just after the completion of jury selection for Mr. Trump’s trial. Azzarello, soaked in a flammable liquid, made a fiery statement by tossing conspiracy-theory pamphlets into the air before igniting himself.
Although Mr. Trump was present in the building for jury selection, he quickly left the scene once the incident began. Despite the quick response from authorities, Azzarello suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Authorities revealed that Azzarello, who had no prior criminal record in New York, had arrived in the city from his home in Florida just days before the tragic incident. His family in Florida had no knowledge of his trip to New York, adding to the mystery surrounding his actions.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Azzarello rummaging through a bag in a nearby park before dousing himself with the flammable liquid and deploying the pamphlets. The pamphlets, described as “propaganda-based conspiracy theories” by New York Police Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, added a layer of complexity to the incident.
Following the incident, a significant police presence was reported outside the courthouse, with emergency responders swiftly responding to the scene. The tragic event led to minor injuries for three NYPD officers and one court official who helped extinguish the flames.
As investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the self-immolation, questions linger about Azzarello’s motives and mental state. The incident has prompted officials to reconsider security measures outside the Manhattan court to prevent similar incidents in the future.