Trump supporters describe moment Max Azzarello self-immolated, Internet says 'traumatized for life'
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.
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."
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.
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.
