NEW YORK. A man who doused himself with a flammable product and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former US President Donald Trump is trying has died, police said.
According to the New York City Police Department, the man was pronounced dead by staff at an area hospital.
Strange episode in New York
The man was at Collect Pond Park around 1:30 p.m. Friday when he began handing out leaflets that talked about conspiracy theories, before dousing himself with a flammable substance and setting himself on fire, officials 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 traveled from Florida to New York in recent days, 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.
