![The scene took place a few steps from the entrance to the court where Donald Trump is to be tried for having concealed payments intended to buy the silence of a former porn star. The scene took place a few steps from the entrance to the court where Donald Trump is to be tried for having concealed payments intended to buy the silence of a former porn star.](https://huffpost-focus.sirius.press/2024/04/20/15/0/5472/3078/320/180/60/0/e5e9ff3_1713600257476-063-2149314780.jpg)
SPENCER PLATT / Getty Images via AFP
The scene took place a few steps from the entrance to the court where Donald Trump is to be tried for having concealed payments intended to buy the silence of a former porn star.
UNITED STATES – A trial like no other. While the jury of twelve members and six alternates was constituted on Friday April 19 for the historic trial of Donald Trump in New York, this preparatory day for the Manhattan court was marked by an unexpected and particularly disturbing event.
In a square, located just opposite the entrance to the courthouse, a man attempted to set himself on fire while the former American president was already inside the building. A shocking event, which ultimately ended with the death of this man, Maxwell Azzarello, who did not survive his numerous injuries, as reported by the American media.
This Saturday, April 20, here is what we know about this appalling scene, which ultimately did not disrupt the course of the trial, which will truly begin on Monday.
· Human inferno
On Friday, the events occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time, in front of media teams deployed in the streets to cover the historic trial of the 45th president of the United States. The man who set himself on fire was more precisely in the “Collect Pond” square open to the public and already occupied by a few dozen pro or anti-Trump demonstrators during the first week of the hearing.
The scene, filmed and broadcast on certain American channels, then shows the man with both hands behind his head suddenly catching fire after having poured the contents of a can on his body, which he then ignited with fire. using a simple lighter. Present in large numbers, the police rushed towards the victim armed with a fire extinguisher to put out what witnesses described as a human blaze.
· Death of Maxwell Azzarello
During a press briefing after the events, New York fire chief Laura Kavanagh admitted that his state of health was judged ” severe “, but then assured that he was indeed ” alive “. However, CNN And CBS reported this Saturday that Maxwell Azzarello ultimately died from his serious injuries Friday evening. This Saturday morning, the New York police confirmed the announcement of his death by hospital staff.
Shortly after his act, the perpetrator was identified by the authorities as Maxwell Azzarello, a 37-year-old young man from Florida. And according to police, the man had arrived in New York only a few days ago. The BBC also specifies that his family was not aware of his trip. And also indicates that he had an empty criminal record in New York.
But at this time, his motive still remains unknown, even if several clues already seem to guide investigators for the continuation of the investigations surrounding this significant event.
· Conspiratorial writings?
Indeed, several elements seem to lead investigators on the trail of conspiracy. Starting with brochures “ based on propaganda » according to New York Police Chief Jeffrey Maddrey. And according to one of the police officials, Joseph Kenny, the writings “are conspiracy theories, there is information about Ponzi-type schemes and the fact that some of our schools are fronts for the mafia”.
At this stage, it is difficult to know more, especially after the announcement of his death, even if witnesses at the scene assure that Maxwell Azzarello began by opening his backpack to take out leaflets which he then threw away. in the air before setting himself on fire.
The day before his act, the 37-year-old man was also seen near the court. He then held up a sign which read “ Trump is with Biden and they are about to stage a fascist coup “. THE New York Post also cites a confusing post, written on a Substack page, in which he seems convinced by this conspiracy idea: “ We are the victims of a totalitarian scam, and our own government (along with many of its allies) is about to hit us with a global apocalyptic fascist coup.”
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