Witnesses were horrified as Max Azzarello, a self-described “investigative researcher,” set himself on fire in a park near the Manhattan courthouse where President Donald Trump’s hush money trial was taking place. The shocking incident was captured on video, showing Azzarello dousing himself with an accelerant before lighting himself on fire. Witnesses called for help as the flames quickly erupted, with one man screaming for police and fire assistance.
Authorities quickly responded to the scene as Azzarello lay on the ground with severe burns. Witnesses were directed to move away as they waited for emergency medical services to arrive. According to one witness, there was little that could be done once Azzarello ignited himself, as the flames were massive and extinguishing them proved challenging. Azzarello was in critical condition and was transported to Cornell University Hospital for treatment.
Prior to the self-immolation, witnesses had spoken briefly with Azzarello, who was promoting his Substack channel where he outlined a doomsday conspiracy and criticized elected officials. Azzarello spoke about corruption among politicians, claiming that both Trump and Biden were corrupt and running a kleptocracy. Witnesses described him as appearing like an unemployed journalist and did not initially believe he posed any harm.
Azzarello’s actions were planned, as he tossed pamphlets with a link to his Substack channel into the air before dousing himself with fuel and setting himself on fire. The manifesto on his Substack page, titled “I have set myself on fire outside Trump Trial,” was bizarre and rambling, filled with conspiracy theories. Azzarello had recently traveled from Florida to New York City without his family’s knowledge, and his actions shocked and horrified witnesses at the scene.
The incident took place just as jury selection concluded in President Trump’s hush money trial, creating a chaotic scene outside the Manhattan courthouse. Witnesses described the moment as surreal and horrifying, with Azzarello remaining quiet as he lit himself on fire and collapsed to the ground. Authorities were quick to respond, but due to the intensity of the flames, Azzarello suffered severe burns before being transported to the hospital for further treatment.
The aftermath of Azzarello’s self-immolation left witnesses shaken and in disbelief at the events that had transpired. Authorities worked quickly to secure the scene and transport Azzarello to receive medical attention, with dozens of police officers present to manage the chaotic situation. Azzarello’s actions and manifesto raised questions about his mental state and motivations, with witnesses left struggling to understand the reasoning behind such a desperate and extreme act of self-harm.
