NEW YORK (AP) — A man who drowned himself in an accelerator and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial Died, police said.
The New York City Police Department told The Associated Press early Saturday that the man was pronounced dead by staff at an area hospital.
The man was in Collect Pond Park around 1:30 p.m. Friday when he took out leaflets supporting the conspiracy theory, tossed them around, then plunged himself into an embankment and set himself on fire, officials and witnesses said.
A large number of policemen were present in the vicinity during the incident. Some officers and bystanders rushed to the aid of the man, who was hospitalized in critical condition at the time.
Police said the man, who recently traveled from Florida to New York, did not breach any security checkpoints to enter the park.
The park outside the courthouse was a gathering spot for protesters, journalists and gawkers during Trump's trial, which began Monday with jury selection.
As of Friday, streets and sidewalks in the area around the courthouse were generally wide open and crowds were small and largely orderly.
Authorities said they are also reviewing security protocols, including restricting access to the park. Side streets where Trump enters and leaves the building are off-limits.
“We may have to close this area,” New York City Police Department Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said at a news conference outside the courthouse on Friday, adding that officials would soon discuss security plans.