Authorities reviewing security protocols and considering restricting access to the park.
Azzarello was espousing conspiracy theories before setting himself alight using an accelerant.
Azzarello was from St. Augustine, Florida, and had recently traveled to New York City for the trial. His family was unaware of his presence in the city.
Incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on April 19, 2024, in Collect Pond Park near the courthouse.
Man identified as Maxwell Azzarello sets himself on fire outside Manhattan Criminal Court where Donald Trump's hush money trial is taking place.
Witnesses and first responders rushed to help him but he later died at Weill Cornell Medical Center.
A man identified as Maxwell Azzarello set himself on fire outside Manhattan Criminal Court where Donald Trump's hush money trial is taking place. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on April 19, 2024, in Collect Pond Park near the courthouse.
According to reports from various sources, Azzarello was espousing conspiracy theories before setting himself alight using an accelerant. Witnesses and first responders, including police officers and paramedics, rushed to help him. The man was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition but later died.
The area had been a gathering spot for protesters, journalists, and gawkers throughout Trump's trial. Authorities are reviewing the security protocols and considering restricting access to the park.
Azzarello was reportedly from St. Augustine, Florida, and had recently traveled to New York City for the trial. His family was unaware of his presence in the city.
This tragic event highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment during high-profile trials. It also serves as a reminder that conspiracy theories can have dangerous consequences.
A man identified as Maxwell Azzarello set himself on fire outside a New York City courthouse where Donald Trump’s criminal trial was being held.
Laura Coates of CNN was nearby during the incident and reported on it live for two minutes without her cadence faltering.
Coates has been known for her sharp political and legal commentary on the network, leading coverage during Derek Chauvin’s murder trial for the death of George Floyd and blasting Sen. Marsha Blackburn for questioning a Black judicial nominee.
Coates was promoted to an interim anchor position after Chris Cuomo was fired in 2021 but was later dropped as a solo anchor, causing outrage among some employees.
She currently hosts her own 11 p.m. show on CNN called ‘Laura Coates Live’ and a daily radio show on SiriusXM.
A man identified as Maxwell Azzarello died after setting himself on fire outside the courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place on April 19, 2024.
The man was in the designated protest area outside the courthouse when he set himself on fire around 1:30 p.m.
Bystanders, court officers and police used coats and fire extinguishers to try to put out the fire and help him.
The man was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition but later died.
Four police officers and one court officer sustained minor injuries from dealing with the fire.
Police found pamphlets about Ponzi schemes and conspiracy theories in his backpack.
