Watan-A video clip has surfaced of a man setting himself on fire near the Manhattan courthouse where former US President Donald Trump is facing multiple charges related to business records forgery.
Footage circulated on social media shows the individual kneeling with his hands on his head as flames consume his body, before collapsing to the ground.
While the person’s identity and condition remain unknown, police rushed to the scene of the incident, and someone attempted to use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames.
A spokesperson for the New York Police Department stated that a man had set himself on fire outside the courthouse, adding that the police are gathering information at the scene.
The incident occurred in front of media crews covering the trial event.
Historic Trump Trial
In the context of Trump’s trial, the presiding judge announced that the jury panel of 12 members has been selected.
Only six alternate members remain to be chosen before the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president begins.
Opening statements are expected to commence next Monday.
🚨 BREAKING: Man sets himself on fire outside of Donald Trump’s trial in New York.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 19, 2024
Charges Against Trump
Prosecutors in New York accuse Trump of falsifying records to cover up a $130,000 payment made in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign to buy the silence of adult film actress Stormy Daniels and failing to disclose a sexual encounter she said occurred between them in 2006.
Trump denies any such relationship. Last year, he was acquitted of 34 charges related to business record forgery in the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
While some legal experts consider this case less significant among the four criminal trials he faces, it is the only one expected to be judicially resolved before the November fifth elections.
If Trump is convicted, he could still hold the presidency, but a Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that a conviction could hinder his chances.