The New York Police Department (NYPD) has identified the individual who set himself ablaze outside the Manhattan court where former President Donald Trump’s hush-money trial is underway.
According to BBC, the victim, 37-year-old Maxwell Azzarello, succumbed to his injuries after dousing himself in liquid and igniting it. The incident occurred at the conclusion of jury selection for Trump’s trial on Friday.
Azzarello was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where he later passed away, confirmed by US media to BBC. Trump was present in the building for jury selection, accompanied by security personnel, but departed during the incident.
The NYPD declared Azzarello deceased at the hospital early Saturday morning. Court security was not compromised, according to emergency officials. The trial resumed later that afternoon after alternate jurors were selected.
Investigators received a 911 call around 1:30 p.m. local time reporting a man self-immolating. They identified the individual as Azzarello, who had recently arrived in New York from his residence in Florida.
Azzarello had no criminal history in New York, and his family in Florida was unaware of his presence in the city. Police Chief Jeffrey Maddrey stated that before the incident, Azzarello was observed “shuffling around” in the park and retrieving a bag containing liquid and pamphlets.
The pamphlets were described as “propaganda-based” and related to a conspiracy theory, according to Chief Maddrey.
Due to the high-profile trial, there was a significant police presence outside the courthouse. Officers immediately rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire. Azzarello was transported to a hospital burn center with severe burns.
Witness Julie Berman described the incident as sudden and puzzling.
NYPD investigators collected pamphlets scattered by Azzarello before his self-immolation. The area has been deemed safe.
Investigators continue to interview witnesses and have not yet determined whether Azzarello made any statements before setting himself alight. Three NYPD officers and a court officer sustained minor injuries while assisting in extinguishing the fire. Officials have indicated that they will review security measures outside the court in light of the incident. CONTINUE READING
Leave a Reply