DONALD TRUMP TRIAL

Man sets himself on fire outside Trump court: what we know so far

The protestor who set himself on fire was distributing pamphlets titled “The True History of the World”

Curtis Meansvia REUTERS

Donald Trump’s trial for the ‘Stormy Daniels’ case continues after twelve Manhattanites were chosen to serve on the jury in the first criminal trial against a former president of the United States. In addition, six substitutes have also be chosen.

In March of last year, Donald Trump became the first president in the country’s history to be indicted. On that occasion, the former president was charged in relation to the ‘Stormy Daniels’ case.

Donald Trump sits at the defendant's table at Manhattan Criminal Court in New YorkSARAH YENESELvia REUTERS

Friday’s proceedings however were sidetracked after a protestor set himself on fire outside the New York courthouse.

According to an NY Post eyewitness, Max Arrello was the individual distributing pamphlets titled “The True History of the World” and published an online manifesto where he explained why he was taking such an extreme act.

Initial fears were that an explosive device had been detonated as reporters watched on from outside the Manhattan courthouse.

SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB A person is covered in flames outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial is underwayReuters TVvia REUTERS

New York police were quickly on the scene and applied extinguishers to the individual who has been removed from the scene and taken to a local hospital where his condition is unknown.

The person on fire received medical attention and was taken from the area, said CNN reporters at the scene, adding that the circumstances of the fire was unclear. The smell of smoke and burning human flesh lingered in the air, they added.

The courthouse in New York City is already under heightened security given the former president’s presence in the courtroom each day.

Most viewed

More news