The incident outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial is being held shocked bystanders and authorities alike. A man, later identified as Maxwell Azzarello, set himself on fire while throwing conspiracy-theory pamphlets into the air. The motive behind his actions remains unknown, and police responded swiftly to the scene.
Although Mr. Trump was present in the building for jury selection, he left during the incident, and emergency officials assured that court security had not been breached. Maxwell Azzarello, 37, had arrived in New York from Florida and had no criminal record in the city. His family in Florida was unaware of his travels to New York.
According to New York Police Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, Azzarello was observed "shuffling around" in the park before igniting himself with a flammable liquid. The pamphlets he distributed were described as "propaganda-based" and related to a conspiracy theory. A massive police presence at the courthouse facilitated a rapid response, and Azzarello was promptly taken to a hospital burn center in critical condition.
Witnesses described the event as sudden and bewildering, with many struggling to comprehend what was happening. Despite the swift intervention of law enforcement, three NYPD officers and one court officer sustained minor injuries while assisting in extinguishing the blaze.
As investigators continue to gather information and reassess security measures outside the court, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the tensions surrounding the trial and the unpredictable nature of such events.
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