The man who doused himself with a flammable product and set himself on fire outside the courtroom trying former US President Donald Trump in New York for document falsification has died, police said.
Early Saturday, the New York City Police Department told The Associated Press that the man was pronounced dead by staff at an area hospital.
The man was at Collect Pond Park around 1:30 p.m. on Friday when he began handing out leaflets that talked about conspiracy theories, before spraying himself with a flammable substance and catch fireofficials and witnesses said.
At the time of the incident, there was a heavy police presence in the vicinity. Some agents and bystanders rushed to help the man, who was hospitalized in serious condition.
The deceased, who according to police had recently traveled from Florida to New York, did not bypass any security checks to enter the park.
Protesters, reporters and onlookers have gathered in the park, which is in front of the court, on the occasion of the trial against Trump for payments to conceal information, which began on Monday with jury selection.
Until Friday, the streets and sidewalks in the vicinity of the court were generally open to traffic and the crowds have been small and orderly.
Authorities indicated they were reviewing safety protocols, including the possibility of restricting access to the park. The side street where Trump enters and exits the building is isolated.
“We may have to close that area,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said at a news conference outside the courthouse, adding that authorities will discuss the security plan soon.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channels Youtube, WhatsApp and to newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us on Facebook, x and instagram.
