A fire extinguisher (right) is reportedly left in a park opposite the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse in New York City after a man set himself on fire during the trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump on April 19, 2024 in New York City.
Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside a New York court where jury selection was underway for former President Trump’s hush-money criminal trial.
The unidentified man’s condition is unknown and he was transported to a nearby hospital.
NBC News reported that the man was in an area across from Manhattan’s Supreme Court that had been cordoned off for protesters.
The video shows police using a large fire extinguisher to extinguish the blaze, which reached 20 feet high, after smaller fire extinguishers failed.
The man’s motives were unclear, but documents containing conspiracy theories were found around him.
The last jury seats had been filled when the fire broke out. Trump was in the courthouse at the time.
Officials told those in the courtroom, including Trump, that they were free to leave the building in lower Manhattan, near the federal courthouse, City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge.
CNBC has asked the NYPD for comment.
It was unclear whether the court would be adjourned for the incident. Judge Juan Merchant was scheduled to hold a hearing Friday afternoon on whether Trump’s past conduct could be used as evidence in the trial.
This week, the area where the incident occurred was crowded with reporters, protesters, counter-protesters and other passers-by hoping to get a glimpse of the historic trial site.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was spotted outside the building on Tuesday.
This is developing news. Please check back for updates.
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