Man sets himself ablaze outside the Trump trial court

A witness described the man flinging pamphlets as he lit himself on fire on Friday in a park near the Manhattan court where Donald Trump is on trial. Officers raced to put out the fire.

An AFP correspondent on site reported seeing burned clothing lying around the park, which had been cordoned off by police, with ambulances waiting nearby. The correspondent also reported smelling strongly of burnt chemicals.

A person was seen in a video that appeared to have been recorded by bystanders and shared on social media, tumbling to the ground as police and plainclothes officers raced to put out the fire.

A patrolman tried putting out the flames with a little fire extinguisher.

According to AFP, a witness going by the name Dave, 73, witnessed a man hurling leaflets before dousing himself in an unidentified substance and setting himself on fire.

Moments after the entire jury of twelve jurors and six alternates was chosen for the former president’s trial in a case involving hush money cover-up, TV reporters detailed the events that followed.

Despite the event, it seemed that the case’s hearings would continue after lunch, albeit later than usual at 3 pm (1900 GMT).

“A male did light himself on fire outside of the Supreme Courthouse. We’re still gathering details from the field,” said a New York Police Department spokesman who gave no motive for the man’s action.

– Tight security –
The latest incident recalls the US airman who set himself alight outside the Israeli embassy in Washington in February, and subsequently died, protesting the war in Gaza.

A fire department spokesman did not respond to a request for comment about Friday’s incident, but media reported the man had been taken away for medical treatment.

The self-immolation happened in a park opposite the 100 Centre Street courthouse, which has been used by authorities to corral protesters, both pro-Trump and anti-Trump, as well as well as by some members of the media.

Biden calls Trump main threat to US democracy
The park, which is close to several courthouses and other buildings, is a popular lunch spot and was cordoned off following the incident.

Trump’s criminal trial, the first of a former president, is being conducted amid tight security in a 15th floor courtroom swarming with Secret Service officers as well as court police.

New York’s police department had promised a major deployment to ensure the trial passes off safely, with the force’s head of intelligence John Hart calling it a “major challenge.”