‘Conspiracy theorist’ Max Azzarello dead after setting himself on fire across from Trump trial in NYC
Troubled "conspiracy theorist" Max Azzarello tragically passed away Friday night after setting himself on fire in a Manhattan park across from former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial, according to police reports.
The 37-year-old Florida resident succumbed to severe burns he sustained during the shocking self-immolation inside Collect Pond Park. Witnesses were horrified as Azzarello threw a stack of pamphlets, including a link to a Substack newsletter, into the air before dousing himself with fuel and igniting a lighter.
The self-proclaimed "investigative researcher" had traveled to New York City without notifying his family and had been protesting outside the courthouse, where he criticized political leaders from both major parties.
Azzarello's rambling manifesto on his Substack page declared his extreme act of protest as a means to draw attention to what he viewed as an impending "totalitarian con" and a looming "apocalyptic fascist world coup."
Following the self-immolation, police quickly responded, and an ambulance rushed Azzarello to a nearby hospital's burn unit in critical condition. Tragically, he passed away around 10:30 p.m. that evening.
Records indicate Azzarello had been arrested three times in Florida, with charges including disturbing the peace and property damage. Florida authorities also noted concerns about his mental health, listing him as suicidal and unemployed.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene, with one recalling how Azzarello went from talking to standing still before setting himself ablaze. The witness emphasized the quietness of the ordeal, which added to the shock and horror of the incident.
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