*Warning: Disturbing video*
Just minutes after the full jury was selected in Donald Trump's New York hush money criminal trial on Friday afternoon, a man set himself on fire outside the courthouse.
CNN’s Laura Coates saw it happen live and described the traumatic and disturbing scene.
First responders rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire and rushed the person to the hospital. Police confirmed to multiple news outlets that the man was critically injured.
The details leading up to the immolation, and the reasons why he did it, are not confirmed at this time. Trump supporters and those protesting him have been present outside the courthouse all week amid the first criminal trial of a former president in the history of the United States. But while security has been tight with barricades around the courthouse, people have been able to gather.
Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the trial, did not appear to be aware of what happened outside, as he told newly selected jurors that opening arguments are set for Monday at 9:30 a.m. He was also set to hold a hearing Friday afternoon on whether prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney’s office can question Trump, and whether he can testify, about his recent defeats in civil cases.
Emotions were high Friday during jury selection: Two jurors broke down in tears and a third was excused after expressing anxiety about being on the case. One prospective juror was already dismissed earlier this week after identifying information about her was reported online.
