The images are shocking. A man tried to set himself on fire Friday in front of the New York court where former President Donald Trump is on trial, according to American media images.
The man doused himself with liquid around 1:35 p.m. local time in a square across from the courthouse, reports the New York Times. He was in an area reserved for Donald Trump supporters.
Leaflets thrown in the air
The reasons for his action are unknown at this time. A witness interviewed by Reuters said the man threw leaflets in the air before setting the fire. According to the New York Times, some of them referred to former President George W. Bush, former Vice President Al Gore, as well as lawyer David Boies, who represented Al Gore during the vote recount during the 2000 presidential election.
The victim, with both hands behind his head, was transformed into a living torch, towards which witnesses first rushed. Police officers intervened after a few minutes, before a fire extinguisher was used against the blaze. The man, who appeared alive, according to the New York Times, was put in an ambulance to be taken to the hospital. A backpack and a gasoline can were still burning slowly on the ground at the scene of the fire, where a strong smell of smoke persisted, according to Reuters.
This drama unfolded shortly after jury selection for Donald Trump’s trial concluded, paving the way for the start of proceedings. The former American president is on trial in this case for hidden payments to buy the silence of a former porn star, Stormy Daniels, a few days before the 2016 election which he won narrowly against the candidate. Democrat Hillary Clinton.