Shocking footage shows a man setting himself on fire outside of the courthouse where Donald Trump’s trial is taking place.
Video source: Max Azzarello Instagram
CNN Reporter Anchor and Chief Legal Analyst, Laura Coates was live on-air and at the scene at the time the man set himself ablaze. Coates frantically said, “A man has now lit himself on fire outside of the courthouse in Manhattan where we are waiting for history to be made.”
Coates said there were multiple fires going on around the man who was fully engulfed in fire.
Coates added, “We have seen an arm that has been visible that has been engulfed in total flames.”
Members of the security detail and NYPD rushed to the scene to try to put out the flame. The reporter also said there were people on the scene taking off their coats to drape over the man and some were using fire extinguishers to put out the fire.
NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey said, the man took numerous pieces of paper out and threw them about the park. He then pulled out a liquid, believed to be alcohol based, and poured it on himself and set himself on fire.
Maddrey said, “We moved him to Cornell burn unit where he is now in critical condition.” According to officials who spoke at the press conference, some law enforcement officers have minor injuries.
Authorities identified the man as being from St. Augustine, Florida and arrived in New York approximately 2 weeks ago. Authorities added the man’s condition is not good but he is still alive.
The chaos comes after a full jury panel was selected for Trump’s criminal trial.
