On a busy Friday afternoon, as the criminal trial of former President Trump unfolded within the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, a chilling incident unfolded outside its hallowed halls.
Man Sets Himself Alight
Maxwell Azzarello, a 38-year-old resident of St. Augustine, Florida, descended upon Collect Pond Park, situated just a stone’s throw from the courthouse. At approximately 1:30 p.m., he embarked on a peculiar display, retrieving multiple pamphlets from his backpack and scattering them across the air.
As the scene grew increasingly bewildering, Azzarello’s actions took a dangerous turn. He whipped out a canister and doused himself with a liquid suspected to be an accelerant. In a moment of desperation, he ignited himself, engulfing his body in flames.
Horror-stricken parkgoers, court officers, and police officers rushed to extinguish the blazing inferno, using coats and other items at their disposal. Emergency services arrived swiftly and managed to quell the fire, but Azzarello’s condition remained critical as he was rushed to a burn center.
Conspiracy Theories Fuel the Act
Authorities uncovered a cache of pamphlets found near the scene, revealing a disturbing pattern of far-reaching conspiracy theories. These “propoganda-based” materials espoused baseless claims, including accusations that “educational institutions are fronts for the mob.”
Investigators discovered that Azzarello had posted cryptic messages online prior to his self-immolation, suggesting that he may have planned or anticipated the incident.
Security on High Alert
The self-immolation incident has prompted heightened security concerns surrounding the courthouse. While Azzarello did not penetrate any security protocols during his act, police officials acknowledged the need to reassess the security perimeter.
Authorities indicated that they would consult with federal partners and consider tightening security measures, including the potential closure of Collect Pond Park during trial proceedings.
Witness Testifies to Horrific Scene
William Schoeffler, an eyewitness to the incident, described the chilling moment he saw Azzarello’s act unfold.
“This guy just starts dousing himself with gas,” he recounted to FOX 5 NY. “He covered himself in enough gas that he just lit himself on fire.”
The Secret Service confirmed its awareness of the incident outside the courthouse, and the investigation into Azzarello’s motives and actions continues.
