The courthouse is currently hosting the trial of former President Donald Trump in a hush money case. The man, identified as Maxwell Azzarello, arrived at Collect Pond Park around 1:30 p.m., where he proceeded to distribute pamphlets before dousing himself in a flammable liquid and igniting it.

NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey confirmed the details of the incident, stating that Azzarello retrieved pamphlets from his backpack and scattered them around the park. He then poured an alcohol-based substance on his clothing and set himself ablaze. Maddrey revealed that video footage showed Azzarello attempting to walk while on fire before falling to the ground, where he continued to burn.

Fortunately, a heavy police presence was already in place outside the courthouse due to the high-profile nature of the trial. Officers swiftly intervened, attempting to extinguish the flames with fire extinguishers and jackets. While their initial efforts were unsuccessful, a larger extinguisher brought by police and FDNY successfully put out the fire minutes later.

Azzarello was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Cornell Medical Center in critical condition with severe burns, while six first responders sustained minor injuries during the incident. Following the incident, the area was thoroughly swept for any potential explosive devices, but none were found.

The motive behind Azzarello's actions remains unclear. According to Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the 37-year-old had recently arrived in New York City from St. Augustine, Florida. His family was reportedly unaware of his trip. The pamphlets he distributed contained conspiracy theories related to Ponzi schemes, local educational institutions, and the Mafia.

Investigators do not believe that Azzarello specifically targeted Trump supporters or protesters. Instead, it appears that he sought to draw attention to the conspiracy theories promoted in the pamphlets. The authorities discovered that he had shared information about these theories online prior to the incident.

Despite the incident occurring near the ongoing trial, there is no evidence to suggest a direct link between Azzarello's actions and the courtroom proceedings. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him in what is the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

The NYPD assured the public that there was no breach in security protocols, as the park was open to the public. However, they will reassess security measures in collaboration with their federal partners in light of the incident.

As the trial unfolds in Manhattan, the incident serves as a reminder of the intense media attention and scrutiny surrounding the high-stakes legal proceedings.