NEW YORK (AP) — The man who poured an accelerant on himself and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial has died, according to the police.
The New York City Police Department stated to The Associated Press early Saturday that the man was pronounced dead by staff at a local hospital.
The man was in Collect Pond Park around 1:30 p.m. Friday when he distributed pamphlets promoting conspiracy theories, scattered them, then poured an accelerant on himself and set himself on fire, as per officials and witnesses.
A large number of police officers were nearby when it happened. Some officers and onlookers hurried to help the man, who was in critical condition and was taken to the hospital at that time.
The man, who police stated had recently traveled from Florida to New York, had not crossed any security checkpoints to enter the park.
The park outside the courthouse has been a meeting place for protestors, journalists, and spectators throughout Trump’s trial, which commenced with jury selection on Monday.
Up to Friday, the streets and sidewalks in the area around the courthouse were mostly empty and the crowds were small and orderly.
Authorities mentioned that they were also evaluating the security procedures, including the possibility of limiting access to the park. The street where Trump enters and exits the building is prohibited.
“We may need to close off this area,” New York City Police Department Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry stated at a news conference outside the courthouse on Friday, and added that officials would discuss the security plan soon.
