A man identified as Maxwell Azzarello of St. Augustine, Florida, set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place and later died, according to New York City police. The incident occurred in a designated protest area outside the courthouse. Azzarello walked into the park, threw pamphlets on the ground, poured a liquid accelerant on himself, lit himself on fire, and fell to the ground. Bystanders and police tried to extinguish the fire with coats and fire extinguishers, but were unsuccessful. Azzarello was taken to the burn unit at Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition.
The incident took place just before the court took a lunch break and around the time the jury for Trump’s trial was fully empaneled. Azzarello, born in 1987, had arrived in New York City earlier in the week, and family members were unaware of his presence in the city. His pamphlets were described as propaganda-based and focused on Ponzi schemes and conspiracy theories. Law enforcement deployed a bomb squad search team as a precaution, but no devices were found in the area. Three law enforcement sources suggested that Azzarello may have been a follower of conspiracy theories and possibly had emotional issues.
Witnesses described the horrific scene of Azzarello setting himself on fire. David, a 73-year-old man who witnessed the incident, recalled hearing a clattering noise and seeing Azzarello douse himself in an accelerant before setting himself alight. Another witness, freelance photojournalist Ed Quinn, recounted how he saw Azzarello deliberately pour gasoline on himself before bursting into flames. Police arrived at the scene approximately a minute after the incident, and onlookers begged for them to extinguish the fire. Azzarello’s self-immolation shocked and horrified those present at the courthouse.
The New York City Fire Commissioner stated that Azzarello was taken to the burn unit at Weill Cornell Medical Center alive but in critical condition. Four police officers and one court officer sustained minor injuries while dealing with the fire. While police believe Azzarello was not targeting any specific person or group with his actions, it is suspected that he may have posted his intention to set himself on fire in advance. Law enforcement sources suggested that Azzarello was a follower of conspiracy theories and may have had emotional issues.
In response to the incident, law enforcement deployed a bomb squad search team to ensure there were no additional threats in the area. The tragic event occurred outside the Manhattan Criminal Court and drew attention from witnesses, journalists, and first responders. The shocking act of self-immolation has raised concerns about mental health and emotional well-being, prompting resources such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to provide support to individuals in crisis. The aftermath of Azzarello’s self-immolation has left a somber and disturbing imprint on those who witnessed the harrowing scene unfold outside the courthouse.
