A tragic incident unfolded outside the New York court where former President Donald Trump is facing trial, as a man set himself on fire and later succumbed to his injuries, according to police reports.
The individual, identified as Max Azzarello from St. Augustine, Florida, tragically passed away at a local hospital following the self-immolation incident on Friday.
Authorities clarified that the man, born in 1987, did not have any specific target in mind, including Trump or others involved in the trial proceedings.
On the fourth day of Trump’s trial for alleged falsification of business records, Azzarello made a dramatic statement by throwing pamphlets in the air before igniting himself using an alcohol-based substance.
Prior to the incident, law enforcement had labeled him as a “conspiracy theorist,” shedding light on his possible motivations.
Trump, the first former US president to face criminal charges, is under scrutiny for purported hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The intense security measures surrounding the trial were evident with a significant police presence at the scene, ensuring the safety of all involved.
Journalists from around the globe were on standby outside the court, some even broadcasting live when the tragic event unfolded.
Despite not breaching any security checkpoints, the man had traveled from Florida to New York, prompting authorities to reassess security protocols and potentially restrict access to the park where the incident occurred.
As investigations continue, the side street used by Trump for entry and exit from the building remains restricted to all individuals.
Source from www.aljazeera.com