Who is Maxwell Azzarello, who put himself ablaze outside Donald Trump's trial? Know about 'conspiracy theories'

Who is Maxwell Azzarello? The 39-year-old man unknown till a few hours ago has hit the headlines in publications across the U.S. The conspiracy theorist set himself on fire Friday outside the court where Donald Trump is standing trial. Before setting himself ablaze, he threw pamphlets that police said contained conspiracy theories. New York Police Department said the man from St Augustine, Florida sought to disseminate "seem to be propaganda-based."

"Conspiracy theory type of pamphlets"

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters, "(They were) almost like a conspiracy theory type of pamphlet, some information in regards to Ponzi schemes, and the fact that some of our local educational institutes are a front for the mob."

Conspiracy theories

According to the New York Post, Azzarello posted an article on a website. The article carried the headline 'I have set myself on fire outside of the Trump Trial'. It was followed by a manifesto riddled with conspiracy theories on everything from cryptocurrency and Hollywood actors to COVID and former President Bill Clinton.


In the article, Azzarello wrote, "This extreme act of protest is to draw attention to an urgent and important discovery: We are victims of a totalitarian con, and our government (along with many of their allies) is about to hit us with an apocalyptic fascist world coup."

Azzarello mentions Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk

Azzarello also mentioned Mark Zuckerberg Elon Musk and The Simpsons, the bank failures in 2023. He accused both Republicans and Democrats of bringing different existential crises to present a doomsday scenario.

Azzarello tried self-immolation in a park opposite the 100 Centre Street courthouse, which has been used by authorities to corral protesters, both pro-Trump and anti-Trump.

Donald Trump's criminal trial, the first of a former president, is being held amid tight security in a 15th-floor courtroom swarming with Secret Service officers as well as court police.

FAQs

Who is Maxwell Azzarello?
Maxwell Azzarello hit the headlines in publications across the US when he set himself on fire Friday outside the court where Donald Trump is standing trial.

Why did he set himself on fire?
Maxwell Azzarello posted an article on a website. The article carried the headline 'I have set myself on fire outside of the Trump Trial'. It was followed by a manifesto riddled with conspiracy theories on everything from cryptocurrency and Hollywood actors to COVID and former President Bill Clinton.