A man who self-immolated outside a New York courthouse where former President Trump’s first criminal trial is being held has died from his injuries, police said.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced early Saturday morning that Max Azzarello, 37, was pronounced dead by hospital staff. Associated Press reported.
The news comes after Azzarello entered the park outside the Manhattan courthouse – the site of protests since the former president’s trial began earlier this week – and threw a conspiratorial pamphlet into the air. The announcement came a day after he doused himself with accelerant and set himself on fire. .
The New York City Police Department announced in a press conference that the man, who has been labeled a “conspiracy theorist,” had traveled to New York from Florida earlier this week. But they suggested the incident was not intended to target any person or group, including President Trump or the protesters.
Authorities said they were reviewing security protocols following the incident. Access to the area where the former president accesses the courthouse was already restricted.
A video of the situation posted on social media platform
Around the same time, jury selection in the case concluded, with 12 primary jurors and six alternate jurors seated. The trial will continue with opening statements Monday.
The selection process lasted four days during the trial, but several prospective jurors who were ultimately excused expressed concerns about serving on a high-profile committee given the media attention. .
Prosecutors have accused President Trump of falsifying business records in connection with paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair ahead of the 2016 election. He pleaded not guilty.
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