Global

Man Sets Himself On Fire Outside Trump Trial Court In Manhattan

A dramatic incident unfolded outside the Manhattan court hosting former President Donald Trump’s hush-money trial when a man set himself on fire.

According to police, the individual poured a flammable substance over himself before tossing conspiracy-theory pamphlets into the air, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. The motive behind his actions remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the incident.

During a press briefing, investigators reported receiving a 911 emergency call at approximately 13:30 local time (18:30 BMT) alerting them to a man setting himself ablaze.

Although Mr. Trump was present for jury selection, he left the scene during the incident. Emergency officials said the incident did not breach court security.

After the incident, court proceedings resumed later in the afternoon, with opening statements expected to commence on Momday.

Identified as Maxwell Azzarello, a 37-year-old from Florida, the man had no prior criminal record in New York and had recently arrived in the city. His family in Florida were unaware that he had travelled to the city.

Chief Jeffrey Maddrey of the New York Police described how Azzarello was observed “shuffling around” in the park before rummaging through a bag for the flammable liquid and pamphlets. He thereafter, ignited himself.

Maddrey also said the pamphlets were “propaganda-based”, adding that they were regarding a “conspiracy theory”.

Outside the courthouse, there were already a lot of police officers because of the trial. Responding swiftly, law enforcement extinguished the flames and transported Azzarello to a nearby hospital with severe burns. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and bewildering, with police later collecting the scattered pamphlets for investigation.

While the motive behind Azzarello’s actions remains elusive, investigators are still interviewing witnesses and said he didn’t appear to say anything before the self-immolation.

Three NYPD officers and one court officer sustained minor injuries during the incident, prompting a review of security measures outside the courthouse.

Melissa Enoch

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

President Tinubu Orders Probe Into Prosecution Of Minors From #EndBadGovernance Protests

President Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the arrest, prosecution of minors involved in #EndBadGovernance…

7 hours ago

Musk’s Lawyer Defends $1M-a-Day Giveaway, Denies Illegal Lottery Claims

Musk's $1M giveaway is under legal scrutiny in a Pennsylvania court case as it targets…

7 hours ago

Badenoch Unveils Shadow Cabinet with Jenrick As Shadow Justice Secretary, Patel As Shadow Foreign Secretary

Kemi Badenoch has appointed former rivals Jenrick, Patel, and Stride to senior roles in her…

7 hours ago

Boeing Workers Vote On New Contract To End Seven-Week Strike

Boeing workers voted Monday on a new contract to end a seven-week strike

7 hours ago

Former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Arrested By EFCC For Alleged N1.3 Trillion Diversion

EFCC has arrested ex-Delta governor Ifeanyi Okowa for alleged misuse of oil derivation funds, diverting…

7 hours ago

Search for Missing Persons Continues After Deadly Valencia Floods

Barcelona faces severe flooding as search and rescue efforts continue.

9 hours ago