A man set himself on fire outside the New York court where a full jury of 12 New Yorkers and 6 alternates was seated in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial on Friday, Deadline reported.
Two law enforcement sources also confirmed the incident to the broadcaster.
People then rushed over with a fire extinguisher and worked to bat the flames away, video footage showed.
The court was being dismissed for a break right as the fire broke out.
A New York emergency official said a person was taken away on a stretcher after apparently setting themselves on fire. A reason for the incident was not known.
Some witnesses said the man appeared to be calm before he doused himself with liquid. “It’s hard to even process in your brain,” another witness, who declined to give his name, told Reuters.
A smell of smoke lingered in the plaza shortly after the incident, according to a Reuters witness, and a police officer sprayed a fire extinguisher on the ground. A smoldering backpack and a gas can were visible.
Police quickly taped off the scene of the incident. Nearby, a pamphlet was visible that referred to “evil billionaires” and called on people to “expose this corruption.” The portion that was visible to a Reuters witness did not mention Trump.
The downtown Manhattan courthouse, heavily guarded by police, drew a throng of protesters and onlookers on Monday, the trial’s first day, though crowds have dwindled since then.
Dave, the first witness, told Reuters that several pro-Trump protesters outside the courthouse scattered when the man set himself ablaze. The witness spoke with shaking hands and said he was left in shock.
The shocking development came shortly after jury selection for the trial was completed, clearing the way for prosecutors and defense attorneys to make opening statements next week in a case stemming from hush money paid to a porn star.
The 12 jurors, along with six alternates, will consider evidence in a first-ever trial to determine whether a former US president is guilty of breaking the law.
