A man lit himself on fire outside the Manhattan court where Donald Trump is being tried, and officers quickly put out the flames.
Burning clothes were scattered in the park, which was closed off by authorities. Ambulances were lined up nearby, and an AFP reporter at the scene noticed a strong smell of burning chemicals.
The incident happened right after a full panel of 12 jurors and six alternates was chosen for the trial of the former president in a hush money cover-up case.
“A male did light himself on fire outside of the Supreme Courthouse. We’re still gathering details from the field,” said a spokesperson for the New York Police Department.
The fire department did not respond to a request for comment, but media reported the man had been taken away for medical treatment.
The incident occurred in a park across from the 100 Centre Street courthouse, which has been used by authorities to corral protesters supporting and opposing Trump, as well as by some members of the media.
The park, close to several courthouses and other buildings, is a popular local lunch spot.
Trump’s criminal trial, the first of a former president, is being conducted amid tight security in a 15th-floor courtroom swarming with Secret Service officers and court police.
New York’s police department had pledged a significant deployment to ensure the trial proceeds safely, with the head of intelligence, John Hart, calling it a “major challenge.”
AFP
