In a shocking incident that unfolded outside Manhattan Criminal Court, a 37-year-old man from St. Augustine, Florida, set himself on fire while armed with conspiracy theory "propaganda" flyers. The harrowing event occurred on Friday just after 1:30 p.m., as former President Donald Trump's hush money trial was underway.

The man, identified as Max Azzarello, entered the public park across the street from the courthouse. Surrounded by barricades for Trump's trial, Azzarello removed his jacket and doused himself with what authorities believe was an alcohol-based cleaning accelerant. Moments later, he ignited himself, engulfing his body in flames.

NYPD Chief of Department, Jeffrey Maddrey, described the terrifying scene as onlookers rushed to the man's aid, using their coats and fire extinguishers to extinguish the flames. Disturbing footage showed Azzarello writhing on the ground, his body blackened and twitching, while horrified witnesses screamed in the background.

Before immolating himself, Azzarello had thrown a stack of colorful pamphlets into the air, including some that directed readers to a Substack page titled "I have set myself on fire outside the Trump Trial." In an incoherent manifesto posted online prior to the incident, Azzarello, who claimed to be an investigative researcher, stated that his self-immolation was an extreme act of protest against a "totalitarian con" and an impending "apocalyptic fascist world coup."

According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the pamphlets appeared to be conspiracy theory-based, with references to a Ponzi scheme and allegations that local educational institutes were fronts for the mob.

First responders swiftly rushed Azzarello to Cornell University Hospital's burns unit, where he remains in critical condition. Some of those who bravely intervened to douse the flames suffered minor injuries from their exposure to the fire.

Witnesses recounted the horrifying incident, with one individual only identified as Dave describing the moment Azzarello lit himself ablaze after pouring a flammable substance over his body. Video footage showed officers scrambling to extinguish the flames on metal barriers in the park while collecting the discarded flyers afterward.

Azzarello, who had recently arrived in New York City from Florida, had been seen outside the courthouse a day earlier, holding a sign that read "Trump is with Biden and they're about to fascist coup us." Police confirmed that Azzarello did not breach any security protocols, as the park was open to the public.

Following the incident, authorities expressed concerns about security in the area. The NYPD brought in a bomb squad and deployed police dogs to sweep the surroundings and nearby vehicles. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey indicated that officials would assess whether additional security measures were necessary and consider the possibility of roping off the green space.

As the investigation into this disturbing incident continues, attention will remain focused on the motives behind Max Azzarello's self-immolation and the potential need for heightened security at the court entrance.