NEW YORK: A man caught fire outside the Manhattan courthouse where former US President Donald Trump is facing trial. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon during jury selection, which is part of Trump’s trial for allegedly falsifying business records.
Eyewitness Accounts and Response
Eyewitnesses described a man ablaze just outside the courthouse, capturing attention away from the ongoing trial. A CNN correspondent noted the strong smell of burning substances in the air. Police officers quickly intervened, using their coats to smother the flames and protect the man from further injury.
Immediate Help and Security Measures
Disturbing footage showed bystanders and a police officer extinguishing the flames. Politico reporter Emily Ngo pointed out difficulties law enforcement faced in reaching the man due to barricades. The security around the courthouse has been tightened due to the high-profile nature of Trump’s trial, which involves charges related to payments to Stormy Daniels.
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Concerns for the Victim
The situation, described as “very scary” by Ngo, raised alarms about the man’s condition as he was transported away by stretcher. A backpack and gas can were found nearby, though his identity remains undisclosed.
Jury Selection Completed
Despite the outside disturbance, the trial inside continued, with a jury of 12 members and six alternates finalized. This diverse group includes a salesperson, a software engineer, and an English teacher. To maintain impartiality and protect their privacy, the judge has kept the jurors’ identities confidential, accessible only to the legal teams involved.
