The man who set himself on fire outside the New York courthouse where former President Trump’s first criminal trial is happening has died from his injuries, as per the police.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated early Saturday that Max Azzarello, 37, was pronounced dead by hospital staff, The Associated Press stated.
The update follows Azzarello going to a park outside the Manhattan courthouse, where protests of the former president’s trial have been taking place since it began earlier this week, and distributing conspiratorial pamphlets before pouring an accelerant and setting himself on fire.
NYPD said during a press conference that the man, labeled a “conspiracy theorist,” traveled to New York from Florida earlier in the week. However, they mentioned that the incident was not meant to target any individual or group, including Trump or protestors.
In response to the event, authorities mentioned they were reviewing the security procedures. The area where the former president enters and leaves the courthouse was already off-limits to the public.
Videos of the incident posted on the social media platform X showed at least one person trying to pat down the fire with a suit jacket, before another person with a fire extinguisher put out the fire.
At the same time, jury selection in the case had concluded, with 12 primary jurors and six alternates seated. The trial will proceed with opening statements on Monday.
The selection process lasted four days, as some potential jurors, who were ultimately excused, expressed concerns about serving on the high-profile panel due to media attention.
Prosecutors have accused Trump of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to keep her quiet about an alleged affair. He has pleaded not guilty.
