On Friday afternoon, a disturbing incident unfolded near the Lower Manhattan courthouse where jury selection for former President Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial was taking place. A man identified as Max Azzarello, 37, from St. Augustine, Florida, set himself on fire in a public display of protest in Collect Pond Park, directly across from the courthouse.
Azzarello, who had been seen near the courthouse earlier in the week, doused himself with an accelerant around 1:35 p.m., igniting himself in front of horrified onlookers who witnessed the intense flames that quickly engulfed him. Before setting himself on fire, he dispersed leaflets that contained anti-government conspiracy theories.
The immediate efforts of bystanders to extinguish the flames were hampered by the fire’s severity. Police officers arrived within minutes, navigating through barriers to aid in putting out the fire. Azzarello was subsequently transported to a hospital’s burn unit in critical condition, with officials stating he was unlikely to survive.
Azzarello had been active around Lower Manhattan prior to the incident, expressing his dissent against various governmental entities. On Thursday, he was outside the courthouse, promoting a website that hosted similar pamphlets to those he scattered during his self-immolation. The website’s prominent message read, “I have set myself on fire outside the Trump Trial.”
Throughout the week, Azzarello carried signs with provocative messages, including critiques of both President Trump and President Biden, suggesting a looming “fascist coup.” His actions peaked in visibility when he vocally addressed reporters at Collect Pond Park, declaring they were about to witness the “biggest scoop” of their careers.
In discussions on Thursday, Azzarello revealed that his viewpoints were influenced by his research into figures such as Peter Thiel, a well-known technology billionaire and political donor, and topics like cryptocurrency. He had moved from Washington Square Park to the courthouse vicinity, citing the greater public presence due to the colder weather and the high-profile nature of the trial.
Azzarello had traveled to New York City shortly before the incident, unbeknownst to his family in Florida. His past includes working in New York, having been employed by Representative Tom Suozzi during his 2013 Nassau County executive campaign.
This tragic event highlights the extreme measures some individuals might resort to in order to express their political and social frustrations.
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