Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Courthouse Where Donald Trump Trial is Happening

New York –

Warning: Contains graphic content

A man who killed himself in an accelerator and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former US President Donald Trump has 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. on Friday when he took out leaflets expounding conspiracy theories, threw them around, then threw himself into an accelerator and sent himself on fire, officials and witnesses said.

A large number of police officers were nearby when it happened. Some officers and attendants rushed to the aid of the man, who was in the hospital in critical condition at the time.

The man, who police said had recently traveled from Florida to New York, failed to breach security checkpoints to get to the park.

The park outside the courthouse has been a gathering place for activists, journalists and gawkers during Trump’s trial, which began with jury selection on Monday.

Through Friday, the streets and sidewalks in the area surrounding the courthouse were generally open and crowds have been small and mostly orderly.

Authorities said they were also reviewing security protocols, including whether to restrict access to the park. The side street where Trump enters and leaves the building is off-limits.

“We may have to close this area,” New York City Police Department Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said at a press conference outside the courthouse on Friday, adding that he would consider officials on the security plan soon.