The man who set himself on fire outside Donald Trump’s secret trial in New York was a Taylor Swift fan who regularly referenced the pop star in his online rants.
Maxwell Azzarello, 37, doused himself with alcohol before putting a lighter on his clothes near Manhattan Criminal Court on Friday.
He was seen kneeling with his hands behind his head, engulfed in flames, before the eyes of the world’s media and horrified spectators.
The protester was taken away on a stretcher by NYPD officers and remains in hospital in critical condition.
But weeks before lashing out, Azzarello, who describes himself as an investigative researcher, had posted about Swift on at least three occasions on his Instagram Stories.
Maxwell Azzarello, 37, posted about Taylor Swift weeks before setting himself on fire outside Donald Trump’s ongoing trial in New York.
He was seen kneeling with his hands behind his head, engulfed in flames, before the eyes of the world’s media and horrified spectators. NYPD officers rushed to put out the flames.
But weeks before he lashed out, Azzarello, who describes himself as an investigative researcher, posted about Taylor Swift three times on his Instagram Stories.
In one of his uploads from late February, the Florida resident reposted an AI image of Swift dressed as Wonder Woman with the caption: “Super Bowl LVII forecast: 100% chance broflakes will melt and wail through the country”.
Under the AI image, Azzarello wrote: “Why are we all so divided? Because those who stole the American dream are screaming “You are divided! You are divided!” in all directions’.
At the same time, he shared another AI-generated image of Swift sitting in a blood-covered oyster with multiple arms with the caption: “Taylor Swift demands a sacrifice.”
Azzarello added his own thoughts to the caption and added: “An ironic doomsday cult is still a doomsday cult.”
In one of his stories from late February, the Florida resident reposted an AI image of Swift dressed as Wonder Woman.
At the same time, he shared another AI-generated image of Swift sitting in a blood-covered oyster with multiple arms.
But after a series of cryptic AI-generated images, the conspiracy theorist posted a real photo of Swift displaying a peace sign during her 2022 New York University commencement speech.
An hour before setting himself on fire, Azarello posted a text to his Instagram story that simply repeated the words “I love you.”
Moments before bursting into flames, Azzarello was seen throwing pamphlets into the air containing a link to the Substack account explaining his actions before bursting into flames.
But after a series of cryptic AI-generated images, the conspiracy theorist posted a real photo of Swift displaying a peace sign during her 2022 New York University commencement speech.
He praised the billionaire and wrote: “Still his best film.”
An hour before setting himself on fire, Azzarello posted a text to his Instagram story that repeated the words “I love you.”
Moments before setting himself on fire, he was seen throwing pamphlets into the air containing a link to the Substack account explaining his actions before bursting into flames.
The blog was titled: “I set myself on fire outside the Trump trial.”
The conspiracy theorist claimed on his blog that his “extreme act of protest” was aimed at highlighting what he called a “totalitarian scam.”
He wrote that the government was “about to hit us with a global apocalyptic fascist coup.”
Azzarello added: “To my friends and family, to the witnesses and first responders, I deeply apologize for inflicting this pain on you. But I assure you that this is only a drop in the ocean compared to what our government intends to inflict on us.
Trump is currently on trial in Manhattan over secret payments made to former adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.
An article published moments before the horrific incident said: “I set myself on fire outside of the Trump trial. »
Pamphlets found at the scene link to a sub-stack written by “investigative researcher” Max Azzarello.
He visited New York a week ago, announcing on his Instagram that he would be staying in Washington Square Park.
Trump is currently on trial in Manhattan for secret payments made to former adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.
He has denied 34 charges of falsifying business records and says all legal experts believe the allegations are exaggerated.
Trump was outside the courtroom, but still inside the courthouse when Azzarello set himself on fire.
The full jury of seven men and five women had already been selected for his secret trial and replacements were being sought today.
Members include an investment banker and a speech therapist who admits he “doesn’t like” his policies.
The final two alternate jurors were seated Friday afternoon. According to reporters in the courtroom, Trump appeared to have fallen back asleep as jury selection progressed.
Judge Juan M. Merchan, apparently oblivious to what was happening outside, told the newly selected jurors that opening statements were scheduled for Monday at 9:30 a.m.
At the White House, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about Azzarello during the daily press briefing.
“It’s very sad news,” replied Jean-Pierre, affirming that she had become aware of “the evolution of the situation” thanks to live reports.
Officials said they are also reviewing security protocols outside the courthouse.
“We are very worried. Of course, we will review our safety protocols,” said Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey.
Earlier in the evening, Trump confirmed that he would testify at some point in the trial to reporters outside the courtroom.
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