A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
The New York City Police Department said the man was declared dead by staff at an🍃 area hospital.
The man was in Collect Pond Park around 1:30 pm Friday when he took out pamphlets espousing conspiracy theories, tossed them around, then doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire, officials and witnesses said.
A large number o෴f police officers were ne🦹arby when it happened. Some officers and bystanders rushed to the aid of the man, who was hospitalised in critical condition.
The man, who police said had travelled from Florida to New York in the last few days, hadn't breached any security 🤪checkpoints to get into th🍬e park.
The park outside the courthouse has been a gathering spot for protesters, journalists and gawker🥂s throughout Tꦅrump's trial, which began with jury selection Monday.
Through Friday, the streets and sidewalks in the area around the courthouse were generally wide open and crowds have been smal🌟l and lar🍰gely orderly.
Authorities said they were also reviewing the 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 shut this area down,” Ne𒅌w York City Police Department Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said aꦍt a news conference outside the courthouse, adding that officials would discuss the security plan soon.
