A disturbing event unfolded outside a New York courthouse on Friday, as a man set himself on fire during the final stages of jury selection for Donald Trump’s hush-money trial. The incident, which did not target the former president, occurred in full view of television cameras stationed outside the courthouse where Trump’s historic criminal trial is being held.
The individual, identified as Max Azzarello from St. Augustine, Florida, was reported to have survived the ordeal but remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Witnesses described the scene as horrifying, with Azzarello pulling pamphlets from a backpack, scattering them in the air, then dousing himself with a liquid and igniting it. According to witness accounts, the pamphlets mentioned “evil billionaires,” though they did not specifically reference Trump.
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The New York Police Department clarified that Azzarello’s actions did not seem to be directed at Trump or the trial participants. Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard described him as “a conspiracy theorist,” and authorities are investigating his motivations further. An online manifesto attributed to Azzarello mentioned an “apocalyptic fascist coup” and criticized various political and economic systems but did not directly mention Trump.
This shocking incident briefly shifted focus from the high-profile trial, which concluded its jury selection on the same day. The trial will address allegations that Trump covered up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels to silence her about a claimed sexual encounter before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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The trial is set to proceed with opening statements soon, with a jury composed of individuals from various professional backgrounds and geographic locations, including two corporate lawyers, a software engineer, a speech therapist, and an English teacher.
As the trial continues, security measures remain tight around the courthouse, which has attracted significant media attention and public interest since its inception. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the intense emotions and complex views surrounding the high-stakes proceedings.
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