NEW YORK CITY, US – A man set himself on fire outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump is standing trial on criminal charges. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the flames and rushed the man to the hospital in critical condition.

The incident unfolded on the fourth day of the Trump trial, creating chaos and panic among witnesses and journalists at the scene. Despite efforts to contain the fire, the man remained engulfed in flames, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Identified as Maxwell Azzarello, a Florida native, the man used an alcohol-based substance to ignite the blaze. Prior to the incident, he reportedly distributed conspiracy-theory-themed pamphlets, raising questions about the potential motive behind his actions.

While it remains unclear if the self-immolation was directly linked to the Trump trial, the intense security measures in place at the courthouse reflect the high stakes of the proceedings. Trump is facing felony charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, marking the first criminal trial of a former US president in history.

As reporters from around the world cover the trial, the shocking scene of the man on fire outside the courthouse underscores the tense atmosphere surrounding the proceedings. Witnesses described the man as badly burned, with onlookers, including pro-Trump supporters, scattering as the fire escalated.

In the aftermath of the incident, emergency responders tended to the man’s injuries, highlighting the risks posed by extreme actions in highly charged legal settings. The jury selection process, completed just before the self-immolation, has set the stage for a pivotal phase of the trial, with jurors from diverse backgrounds now deliberating on the case.

The judge’s decision to keep the jurors’ identities confidential underscores the sensitivity and significance of the trial, ensuring a fair and impartial deliberation process. With opening statements scheduled for the following week, the outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for Trump and the broader political landscape.