In a park across the street from the courtroom in New York City housing the trial of former President Donald Trump, a man set himself on fire.
A witness claims that after 1 p.m. on Friday, in the approved protest area outside the trial outside the courthouse in lower Manhattan, the individual set himself on fire.
Officers hurried to put out the fire with what looked like a fire extinguisher. A smoky scene was left outside the court as a group of reporters and witnesses watched the fire be put out moments later.
According to the FDNY, the man was taken by EMS to NewYork-Presbyterian Cornell Medical Center in critical condition.
Although the exact nature of the rally was unclear at first, the police source claimed that the individual was carrying buttons and booklets with various messages.
It happened as the first criminal trial of a former US president, against Trump, got underway with the selection of a complete jury consisting of 12 members and 6 alternates. To the allegations, Trump has entered a not guilty plea.
Regarding a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, Trump is being charged with felonies. It is the first time in history that a former president of the United States has faced criminal prosecution.
The jury selection phase of the trial started on Monday. Friday midday saw the selection of the entire jury.
