A person has set himself on fire outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Trump’s first criminal trial is ongoing, police confirmed to The Hill.
The incident, which took place in a park outside the courthouse where protests of Trump’s trial have occurred this week, received a significant emergency response. Ambulances were lined up where the person set himself on fire.
Videos of the situation shared on the social media platform X showed at least one person trying to put out the fire with a suit jacket, before another person with a fire extinguisher extinguished the fire.
A witness told PIX11 News that they were next to a man when he poured a flammable liquid on himself, asked her to step back, and then set himself on fire. The witness said he made political statements before the incident.
It’s not clear if the incident is related to Trump’s trial. At the same time, a full jury panel was officially selected to hear the case.
The trial can proceed to opening remarks on Monday with 12 primary jurors and six alternates seated.
The jury selection process lasted four days. Some potential jurors, who were ultimately dismissed, expressed worry about serving on the high-profile panel considering the media attention it is expected to attract.
Before moving forward, Trump’s lawyers will discuss his potential trial testimony at a hearing this afternoon, where the judge will decide which topics prosecutors can question the former president about if he testifies. The process is meant to help Trump make an informed decision about testifying.
The topics cover 13 different court decisions involving Trump in other cases.
Trump is charged with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money deal with an adult film actress made before the 2016 election. He has pleaded not guilty.
Updated 2:10 p.m.
