Max Azzarello Obituary – The man who tragically lost his life due to self-immolation using an accelerant near the New York City courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial has been identified as 37-year-old Max Azzarello from Saint Augustine, Florida. He had recently arrived in New York. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at Collect Pond Park near the Lower Manhattan courthouse where Trump’s hush money trial is ongoing.
Azzarello entered the park, scattered pamphlets, poured a flammable liquid on himself, and then set himself on fire. Eyewitnesses reported that he silently doused himself with what seemed to be gasoline before igniting. Police later revealed that the accelerant was likely an alcohol-based cleaning solution. Despite warnings to bystanders to stay away, Azzarello proceeded to light himself on fire.
Law enforcement officers swiftly responded, with one detective using his coat to extinguish the flames and another individual using a fire extinguisher. Azzarello was rushed to New-York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition. Several officers sustained minor injuries during the incident. The pamphlets found at the scene contained conspiracy theories, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny.
Detectives are currently investigating Azzarello’s activities since his arrival in New York. Authorities are examining his Substack page titled “I have set myself on fire outside the Trump Trial,” where he detailed his motivations in a lengthy post. Azzarello, who held a BA in public policy and Anthropology from UNC-Chapel Hill, did not appear to have a specific target for his actions, according to officials.