A tragic incident unfolded outside the Manhattan court where former President Donald Trump’s hush-money trial is underway. Maxwell Azzarello, 37, tragically passed away after setting himself on fire outside the courthouse.
Azzarello, reportedly carrying conspiracy-theory pamphlets, doused himself in a flammable liquid before igniting it. This alarming act occurred as the jury selection for Trump’s trial was concluding. While Trump was present in the building, he left prior to the incident.
Emergency services responded swiftly, but Azzarello succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, court security remained intact, and the trial continued later that afternoon, with no disruption to proceedings. Opening statements are scheduled to commence on Monday.
Authorities revealed that Azzarello had recently arrived in New York from Florida and had no prior criminal record in the city. Chief Jeffrey Maddrey of the New York Police Department described Azzarello’s actions as involving “propaganda-based” pamphlets related to a conspiracy theory.
Eyewitnesses recounted the sudden and bewildering nature of the event, with one witness describing the unfolding scene as rapid and perplexing. Police collected scattered pamphlets following the incident and confirmed the area’s safety.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities interviewing witnesses to determine the motive behind Azzarello’s actions. It was reported that he did not communicate verbally before setting himself ablaze.
Several officers sustained minor injuries while extinguishing the fire, prompting a reassessment of security measures outside the courthouse.
