Maxwell Azzarello, an investigative researcher, made shocking headlines on Friday, April 19, 2024, after he set himself on fire outside a Manhattan courthouse where former US President Donald Trump’s hush money trial was underway.
Azzarello, who hails from St. Augustine, Florida, arrived in New York City earlier that week unbeknownst to his family. The 37-year-old had a background in Anthropology, Public Policy, and City and Regional Planning.
He was described as a self-employed Research Investigator who was particularly vocal about his views on various conspiracy theories, especially related to cryptocurrency and politics.
On the fateful day, Azzarello doused himself with an accelerant believed to be gasoline before lighting himself on fire across the street from the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. He was reportedly heard shouting about an impending fascist coup and the alleged corruption of global elites.
Despite the intense heat and flames, a swift response from police officers and bystanders prevented the fire from spreading further, and Azzarello was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed that Azzarello had distributed pamphlets with links to his Substack newsletter titled The Ponzi Papers before the incident. The newsletter contained elaborate conspiracy theories involving various world events and political figures.
Police officials reassured the public that security protocols around the courthouse were not breached, and a thorough search for any potential threats was conducted following the incident.
As investigations continue into the motivations behind Maxwell Azzarello’s drastic actions, the nation remains both shocked and intrigued by the events that unfolded outside the Trump trial.
