The Telegraph
In a shocking turn of events outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, a man set himself ablaze just moments after a jury was selected for Donald Trump’s hush money trial.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as the man’s body became engulfed in flames for at least three minutes in the designated protest area outside the court. CNN reported seeing “a totally charred human being,” while bystanders screamed and fled from the harrowing sight.
Police, armed with fire extinguishers, rushed to the scene as sirens blared in the distance. The intense heat from the flames could reportedly be felt from a distance of 100 feet, according to reports from the New York Times.
After the fire was extinguished, a smoldering backpack and a gas can were visible, alongside a pamphlet referring to “evil billionaires” and urging people to “expose this corruption.”
The motive behind the self-immolation remains unclear, and the condition of the individual is yet to be confirmed. However, reports indicate that the person received medical attention before being transported from the area in an ambulance.
The incident occurred as broadcasters, stationed behind metal barricades, were preparing to cover Trump’s trial, the first criminal trial of a former US president. The trial is conducted amid tight security, with a significant presence of Secret Service officers and court police.
New York’s police department had deployed extensively to ensure the trial’s safety, acknowledging the significant challenge it presents.
While details are still emerging, the tragic protest highlights the intense scrutiny and tension surrounding the trial, as well as the broader political divisions gripping the na
