In a disturbing incident on Friday, a man set himself on fire outside the New York courthouse where jury selection was wrapping up for the unprecedented criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. The shocking event took place at the same moment the full jury of 12 New Yorkers and six alternates was completed for Trump’s trial, raising questions about its possible connection to the case.
Authorities are investigating the self-immolation, but it’s unclear whether it is related to the Trump trial. The incident occurred on the street outside the building where Trump was on the 15th floor. Witnesses described seeing smoke rising from the site and police rushing to extinguish the flames. A New York Police Department spokesperson confirmed, “A male did light himself on fire outside of the Supreme Courthouse. We’re still gathering details from the field.”
The courthouse is a focal point for both pro-Trump and anti-Trump protests, and the incident took place in a park opposite 100 Centre Street, an area frequented by demonstrators and media. Despite the chaos, Judge Juan Merchan announced that opening arguments in Trump’s trial would begin Monday following the completion of jury selection.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of business fraud in a scheme to cover up hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair just before the 2016 presidential election, where he defeated Hillary Clinton. The jury selection process has been challenging, given the high-profile nature of the case and the controversy surrounding Trump. Potential jurors were questioned about their political views, media habits, and ability to remain impartial, with many excused for various reasons.
One juror, already sworn in, was excused over concerns about her identity being revealed, while another was released due to doubts about the accuracy of his responses during questioning. Judge Merchan has emphasized the importance of protecting the anonymity of jurors and urged reporters not to provide physical descriptions or identify their workplaces.
As the trial progresses, Trump has continued to criticize the partial gag order imposed by the judge, preventing him from using his significant media presence to target witnesses, prosecutors, and court staff. Despite the court proceedings affecting his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump has used the media coverage to portray himself as a victim of a “hoax.”
The outcome of this trial will be closely watched, given its implications for Trump and his political future. A unanimous verdict is required to convict, with possible penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. As Trump continues to face legal battles, including on charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, the political landscape remains volatile.
