Trump supporters describe 'awful' moment Max Azzarello self-immolated, Internet says 'poor people traumatized for life'

Trump supporters witnessed the horrifying incident as a man set himself on fire outside the trial involving the former president's hush money case
PUBLISHED APR 20, 2024
An act of self-immolation outside Manhattan courthouse by Azzarello (R) left bystanders, many of whom were supporters of Trump (L), traumatized (Getty Images, @maxwellazzarello/Instagram)
An act of self-immolation outside Manhattan courthouse by Azzarello (R) left bystanders, many of whom were supporters of Trump (L), traumatized (Getty Images, @maxwellazzarello/Instagram)

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A shocking act of self-immolation outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump's high-profile hush money trial was taking place left bystanders and witnesses, many of whom were supporters of Trump, deeply traumatized, as per Daily Mail.

On Friday, April 14, 37-year-old Maxwell Azzarello doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze, unleashing a scene of horror that played out live on national television. As flames engulfed Azzarello's body, traumatized onlookers, including visitors from out of state and a CNN crew reporting on the trial, were left grappling with the disturbing sight.

Ten hours after setting himself on fire near Trump's Manhattan trial, Azzarello succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by law enforcement sources to Deadline.

(Maxwell Azzarello/Instagram)
Ten hours after setting himself on fire near Trump's Manhattan trial, Azzarello succumbed to his injuries (Maxwell Azzarello/Instagram)

Trump supporters recount witnessing event outside Manhattan courthouse

Fred Gates, who was in a nearby park, recounted the harrowing events: "I saw him take a backpack off, pull out two cans of gasoline, and proceed to pour it over himself on both sides." Gates described the man as "very calm" and "quiet" as he doused himself in the flammable liquid.

Kennedy Mack, a visitor from South Carolina, expressed her disbelief, saying, "It was awful. Why would anyone do that to themselves? I wish we never came this way now."

Kayley Bruce, another visitor from South Carolina, broke down in tears as she recalled the moment Azzarello set himself ablaze, describing it as "the most horrific thing I've seen in my life."

(Getty Images)
Trump supporters recount witnessing the harrowing event outside the Manhattan courthouse (Getty Images)

Self-immolation incident unfolded live on national television during CNN's coverage

The shocking incident unfolded live on national television as CNN's chief legal analyst, Laura Coates, was reporting on the Trump jury from outside the courthouse, as per Variety.

Coates initially mistook the chaos for an active shooter situation but promptly corrected herself, reporting the man setting himself on fire as cameras captured footage of the flames.

Coates, visibly shaken, described the scene live on air, with the cameras capturing the moment of self-immolation before turning away to focus on her reporting.

(CNN/YouTube)
The self-immolation incident unfolded live on national television as CNN's Laura Coates was reporting on the Trump jury from outside the courthouse (CNN/YouTube)

Internet reacts to distressing event

Online reactions to Trump supporters witnessing the distressing event were divided. One user remarked, "Seeing burnt bodies is a horrible sight but it's the smell that lingers in one's mind." Another user criticized the act as selfish, stating, "Those poor people traumatized for life. So sorry for them."

A third user expressed sympathy for the witnesses regardless of political affiliation, writing, "I feel sorry for anyone who witnessed that taking place near them, doesn't matter political affiliation or not. That must have been horrific to see, hear and smell.... and I hope everyone who witnessed it will be offered support if they need it."

Another commenter compared the incident to past events, saying, "Were they not paying attention during the summer of 2020? I think that was MUCH worse than one 1mbecile starting himself on fire."

Lastly, a user reflected on the desensitization of US citizens, stating, "I think US citizens are jaded enough that nothing really traumatizes us anymore. We've literally seen everything a hundred times before."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

MORE STORIES

The suspected shooter, Desmond Holly, a student at Evergreen High School, injured two students before turning the gun on himself
Sep 12, 2025
Iryna Zarutska’s boyfriend also questioned the qualifications of Judge Teresa Stokes, who released the suspect on cashless bail earlier this year
Sep 12, 2025
As other passengers rushed to aid Iryna Zarutska, Decarlos Brown Jr said, 'I got that White girl' while waiting for the train to stop and exit
Sep 10, 2025
According to a neighbor, Iryna Zarutska’s father was unable to attend her funeral on August 27 due to the war in Ukraine
Sep 9, 2025
Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum, said through his spokesperson that his split from Kristin Cabot was 'private and amicable' before the concert
Sep 9, 2025
Decarlos Brown Jr, 35, attacked 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, pulling a blade and slashing her as she sat in front of him scrolling on her phone
Sep 8, 2025
Mayor Vi Lyles urged restraint after footage surfaced showing Decarlos Brown fatally stabbing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s Blue Line
Sep 8, 2025
Jurupa Valley High School’s Alyssa McPherson and Hadeel Hazameh skipped a match in protest, saying safety and fairness had been compromised
Sep 7, 2025
Some critics of ‘Gender Jamboree’ claim the lessons go beyond age-appropriate boundaries and risk politicizing early childhood education
Sep 4, 2025
Rumors sparked outrage after claims spread that Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared as a Shein model
Sep 4, 2025