Man sets himself on fire near NYC courthouse

Outside the New York courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is currently on trial, a distressing incident occurred as a man set himself on fire. Maxwell Azzarello, in his mid-30s and from St. Augustine, Florida, tragically passed away, as confirmed by authorities.

Azzarello ignited himself in a designated protest area for both pro and anti-Trump demonstrators after scattering conspiracy theory pamphlets. Using an alcohol-based accelerant from a canister found in his possession, he set himself ablaze, prompting swift intervention from officers and civilians who attempted to douse the flames using coats and fire extinguishers.

Amid the incident, four NYPD police officers sustained minor injuries from exposure to the fire.

Suspicion of conspiracy theory

NYPD chief of detectives Joseph Kenny stated that the pamphlets found at the scene appeared to contain propaganda-like content, leaning toward conspiracy theories. He mentioned references to a Ponzi scheme and allegations of local educational institutes being linked to organized crime, suggesting a conspiracy theory narrative.

The incident occurred following the conclusion of jury selection for Donald Trump's hush money trial, with 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to deliberate on whether the former U.S. president concealed payments to women who claimed to have had affairs with him.

In response to the incident, the Trump campaign issued a statement expressing condolences to the affected witnesses.

Source: Newsroom