Fire extinguishers (R) are left at the park across from Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City after a man reportedly set himself on fire during the trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump, in New York City on April 19, 2024.
Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images
A man set himself on fire Friday outside of the New York courthouse where a jury was being picked for the criminal hush money trial of former President Donald Trump.
The unidentified man, whose condition was unknown, was taken to a nearby hospital.
NBC News reported that the man was in an area across from Manhattan Supreme Court that is cordoned off for protestors.
Flames from the fire reached 20 feet into the air before police were able to put out the fire using a large extinguisher after a smaller extinguisher was unable to do the job, video showed.
The man’s motives were unknown but papers containing conspiracy theories were found around him.
The last jury spots were being filled around the time the fire occurred. Trump was inside the courthouse at the time.
Officials told people inside the courtroom, including Trump, that they were free to leave the building, which is located in lower Manhattan, close to a federal courthouse, City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge.
CNBC has requested comment from the New York Police Department.
It was not clear if court would adjourn for the day as a result of the incident. Judge Juan Merchan had been scheduled to hold a hearing Friday afternoon on the admissibility of past conduct by Trump as evidence at the trial.
The area where the incident took place has been filled this week with journalists, protesters, counter-protesters and other passersby seeking a glimpse of the historic trial site.
On Tuesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams was spotted just outside the building.
This is developing news. Check back for updates.
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