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Police identified the perpetrator as a man born in 1987, originally from Florida, and named Maxwell Azzarello.
A man attempted to set himself on fire Friday in front of the Manhattan court where Donald Trump is being tried, after throwing writings into the air containing “conspiracy theories” according to police.
Police identified the perpetrator as a man born in 1987, originally from Florida, and named Maxwell Azzarello. His condition is judged “severe” but “he is alive”said New York fire chief Laura Kavanagh during a press briefing.
Conspiracy texts
The images of the drama, broadcast by American channels and on social networks, are impressive. We see the victim, both hands behind his head, transform into a human torch for several seconds before falling to the ground. Police rushed to the man and a fire extinguisher was used against the blaze. At the scene of the fire, in a square opposite the courthouse, clothes were still burning slowly on the ground and a strong smell was emanating several minutes later, noted an AFP journalist on site.
Brendan McDermid / REUTERS
A witness to the scene, who gave his name as Dave, 73, said he saw the man throw writings in the air before opening a container, dumping the contents on him and to set the fire using a lighter. According to one of the police officials, Joseph Kenny, the writings “relate to conspiracy theories, there is information about Ponzi-type schemes and the fact that some of our schools are fronts for the mafia”.
Security protocol
According to police, the man arrived in New York a few days ago. Immediately, this drama did not disrupt the progress of the historic trial of Donald Trump. Around 3:00 p.m., the hearing resumed and the former President of the United States did not make any comments upon his return to the courtroom.
The police assured that they would review the security protocols around the court, while the system is already reinforced by the presence of a former American president inside the building. “This man did not violate security protocols”said one of the police chiefs, Jeffrey Maddrey. “The park was open to the public”, he added. This square has already been occupied since the trial opened on Monday, by a few dozen pro or anti-Trump demonstrators, but without any notable incident since.