News

Man Dies After Setting Himself on Fire Outside Trump Trial in New York

Published

8 months ago

April 20, 2024

Dan Olczak

Max Azzarello, who appears to have described himself as an “investigative researcher”, was badly burnt

A man identified as Max Azzarello, 37, from St. Augustine, Florida, tragically passed away in New York after setting himself on fire outside the courtroom where former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial was taking place.

The incident occurred at Manhattan Criminal Court, where Azzarello self-immolated, leading to severe burns.

Max Azzarello set himself ablaze outside Manhattan Criminal Court on Friday afternoon Picture APYouTube

Before igniting himself, Azzarello distributed pamphlets containing links to his writings on a Substack page titled “The Ponzi Papers.

In a post dated April 19 tia titled ‘I have set myself on fire outside the Trump Trial,’ he explained his extreme protest as a means to draw attention to urgent discoveries.

Azzarello’s post contained conspiracy theories covering various topics, including former President Bill Clinton, the coronavirus, and cryptocurrency.

Max Azzarello holding up a protest sign. — Azzarello had been protesting the trial for several days before his immolation Picture Reuters

A pamphlet dropped by the man who set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial was underway — A pamphlet dropped by the man who set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trumps criminal hush money trial was underway Picture Reuters

He described feeling like victim of a totalitarian conspiracy orchestrated by the government and its allies.

The self-immolation occurred shortly after the selection of an entire jury of 12 and six alternates for Trump’s criminal trial, marking the first-ever trial for a former or serving US president.

Max Azzarello had been espousing various conspiracy theories Picture Max AzzarelloInstagram

Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Despite attempts by bystanders to extinguish the flames, Azzarello suffered critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital’s burn unit, where he later passed away around 10:30 p.m.

Max Azzarello was rushed away in a stretcher after lighting himself on fire Picture Getty Images

Max Azzarello tossed pamphlets in the air with the link to his writings on a Substack page called The Ponzi Papers Picture Getty Images

Authorities believe Azzarello traveled from Florida to New York shortly before the incident. In his manifesto, he expressed hope for societal change and ended with a message of empowerment to readers.

In response to the incident, New York police Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey expressed concern and announced a review of security protocols outside the court.

Keywords: Max Azzarello, self-immolation, Trump trial, conspiracy theories, Manhattan Criminal Court, hush money trial, New York, police investigation, security protocols, Stormy Daniels.