20-4-2024 (NEW YORK) A man set himself ablaze on Wednesday outside the New York courthouse where jury selection for Donald Trump’s historic hush-money trial had just concluded. The harrowing act of self-immolation occurred as the former US president faced unprecedented legal proceedings, becoming the first ex-commander-in-chief to stand trial on criminal charges.
The man, identified as Max Azzarello from St Augustine, Florida, sustained severe burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Eyewitnesses recounted the distressing scene, describing how the man pulled out pamphlets from a backpack, tossing them into the air before dousing himself with a flammable liquid and setting himself alight.
While one of the leaflets made references to “evil billionaires,” authorities stated that the man did not appear to be specifically targeting Trump or any individuals involved in the high-profile trial. Tarik Sheppard, a deputy commissioner with the New York Police Department, addressed the media, labelling the man as a “conspiracy theorist” and indicating that investigations were ongoing.
In a disturbing twist, an online manifesto purportedly authored by a person using the same name warned of an “apocalyptic fascist coup” and criticized cryptocurrency and US politicians, though it did not single out Trump explicitly. The manifesto also included an apology to friends, witnesses, and first responders.
???????? Graphic Content | Male categorized by NYPD as «conspiracy theorist» light himself on fire in a park near the New York County Criminal Court, during Donald Trump Hush-Money Payment Trial involving porn star Stormy Daniels (Apr 19, 2024) [Via @telemediapress] #NewYorkCity… pic.twitter.com/py3IDiWoYB
— MAGNO NEWS (@MAGNONEWS) April 19, 2024
The shocking act of self-harm unfolded mere moments after the completion of jury selection for Trump’s trial, which is set to commence with opening statements next week. The 12 jurors and six alternates, hailing from diverse backgrounds and professions, will now bear the immense responsibility of weighing evidence in this unprecedented legal saga.
Trump stands accused of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. The payments were allegedly made to prevent her from disclosing a purported sexual encounter with Trump a decade prior to the 2016 presidential election. Trump has vehemently denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the 34 counts against him.
