Maxwell Azzarello, a man from St. Augustine, Florida, shocked onlookers as he set himself on fire just outside Donald Trump’s hush-money trial in New York City. A self-proclaimed “investigative researcher,” Azzarello distributed fliers titled “The true history of the world: haunted carnival edition” before igniting the flames.
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey reported that Azzarello entered the park, scattered pamphlets, and then set himself ablaze, collapsing onto an NYPD barricade almost instantly. He is currently in critical condition at a burn unit at Cornell University.
Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny described Azzarello’s act as “propaganda” and revealed that he remained silent before lighting the fire. Azzarello’s family has been notified of the incident, and authorities are working to ensure enhanced security measures moving forward.
While the motive behind Azzarello’s actions remains unclear, law enforcement sources disclosed that he is part of a protestor group. The fliers he distributed contained cryptic messages, including one stating, “I have set myself on fire outside the Trump Trial.”
The incident caused chaos in the area, with witnesses describing scenes of panic and screams as Azzarello burned. Trump supporters in the vicinity quickly evacuated, and bystanders rushed to extinguish the flames with fire extinguishers.
The aftermath of the self-immolation left a lingering smell of burnt flesh in the air, with smoke rising from the pavement and debris scattered on the street. The incident occurred just before the trial proceedings adjourned for lunch, leaving a lasting impact on all who witnessed the shocking event.