Audio By Carbonatix
A man who set himself on fire outside the Manhattan court where former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial is being held has died.
Maxwell Azzarello, 37, doused himself in a liquid before throwing conspiracy-theory pamphlets into the air.
It happened as the jury selection for Mr Trump's trial was completed.
He was taken to hospital on Friday in critical condition, where he later died, CBS News - the BBC's US partner - confirmed.
Mr Trump was in the building to attend jury selection, where he has had a security detail, but the former president left during the incident.
New York City police said early on Saturday that Mr Azzarello was declared dead by hospital staff, NBC reported.
Court security had not been breached in Friday's incident, emergency officials said. The case, which had just completed alternate jury selection, resumed later in the afternoon. Opening statements are expected to begin on Monday.
Investigators said they had received a 911 emergency call at around 13:30 local time (18:30 BMT) telling them that a man had lit himself on fire.
They identified him as Maxwell Azzarello, 37, who had arrived in New York from his home in Florida sometime in the past week. He had no criminal record in New York, and his family in Florida were unaware that he had travelled to the city.
New York Police Chief Jeffrey Maddrey said Mr Azzarello was seen "shuffling around" in the park before reaching into a bag for the flammable liquid and pamphlets.
The pamphlets were "propaganda-based", said Chief Maddrey, adding that they were regarding a "conspiracy theory".
There was a massive police presence outside the courthouse because of the trial, and officers quickly ran into the park shouting for a fire extinguisher. Mr Azzarello was carried away on a stretcher, his body badly burned. The police said he was taken to a hospital burn centre in critical condition.
Witness Julie Berman told reporters: "It was hot, and it didn't make a lot sense. The whole thing happened so fast… it took me like 20 seconds to figure out what was going on."
NYPD investigators were later seen collecting pamphlets that Mr Azzarello had scattered before self-immolating. They have deemed the area safe.
Investigators are still interviewing witnesses and said he didn't appear to say anything before setting fire to himself.
Three NYPD officers and one court officer had minor injuries after helping to extinguish the blaze.
Officials said they will now reassess security outside the court.
Latest Stories
-
The Ghanaian prophet and the mysterious death of his scottish wife Charmain Speirs
34 minutes -
Nearly 400 sentenced in Nigeria for links to militant Islamists
56 minutes -
Ghana’s recovery supported by gold strength despite global oil price pressures – Standard Bank Research
1 hour -
Kwaku Azar writes: A-G vs OSP
2 hours -
Mfantsipim–Adisadel rivalry built excellence, not division – Sam Jonah
2 hours -
Vice President launches Mfantsipim’s 150 years of shaping Ghana’s greatest mind
2 hours -
I assure Otumfuo, Mahama will join him to commission KNUST Teaching Hospital by end of this year – Haruna Iddrisu
3 hours -
Barcelona dominate derby to extend La Liga lead
3 hours -
Gov’t to roll out free special education for persons with disabilities from July 1 – Education Minister
3 hours -
Importers and Exporters Association declares full support for Publican AI port system
4 hours -
“We used it to test our officiating officials’ readiness” – Bawah Fuseini after CAA Athletics event
4 hours -
Volleyball emerges as Ghana’s fastest rising sport
4 hours -
National Sports Fund needs strong leadership from the top – Administrator David Wuaku
4 hours -
JoySports Exclusive: Steve McLaren in talks with GFA after expressing interest in Black Stars job
4 hours -
Fire guts auto parts warehouse at Bubuashie, one fire officer injured
4 hours