NEW YORK: Police inspectors gather evidence around a park outside of Manhattan Criminal Court where a man set himself on fire Friday afternoon on April 19, 2024 in New York City. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP
NEW YORK (AP): A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former president Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
The New York City Police Department told The Associated Press early Saturday (April 20) that the man was declared dead by hospital staff.
The man was in Collect Pond Park around 1.30pm on Friday (April 19) when he took out pamphlets espousing conspiracy theories, tossed them around, then doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire, officials and witnesses said.
A large number of police officers were nearby when it happened. Some officers and bystanders rushed to the aid of the man, who was hospitalised in critical condition at the time.
The man, who police said recently travelled from Florida to New York, had not breached any security checkpoints to access the park.
The park outside the courthouse has been a gathering spot for protesters, journalists and gawkers throughout Trump's trial, which began with jury selection Monday (April 15).
Through Friday, the streets and sidewalks in the area around the courthouse were generally wide open and crowds have been small and largely orderly.
Authorities said they were also reviewing the security protocols, including whether to restrict access to the park. The side street where Trump enters and leaves the building is off limits.
"We may have to shut this area down," New York City Police Department Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said at a news conference outside the courthouse Friday, adding that officials would discuss the security plan soon. – AP
