A 37-year-old man named Maxwell Azzarello tragically passed away after setting himself on fire outside the Manhattan court where former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial is being held.

Azzarello had soaked himself in a flammable substance and threw conspiracy-theory pamphlets into the air before the incident occurred.

This event unfolded as the jury selection for Trump's trial concluded. Despite being present in the building with a security detail, Trump left during the commotion.

Azzarello was rushed to the hospital in critical condition on Friday, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident did not breach court security, and the trial resumed as scheduled after completing alternate jury selection. Opening statements are set to commence on Monday.

According to investigators, Azzarello, who had no prior criminal record in New York, arrived in the city from his home in Florida sometime in the previous week.

His family in Florida was unaware of his travels to New York.

New York Police Chief Jeffrey Maddrey noted that Azzarello was observed "shuffling around" in a nearby park before accessing a bag containing the flammable liquid and pamphlets.

The pamphlets were "propaganda-based", said Chief Maddrey, adding that they were regarding a "conspiracy theory".

There was a massive police presence outside the courthouse because of the trial, and officers quickly ran into the park shouting for a fire extinguisher.

Mr Azzarello was carried away on a stretcher, his body badly burned. The police said he was taken to a hospital burn center in critical condition.

Witness Julie Berman told reporters: "It was hot, and it didn't make a lot sense. The whole thing happened so fast... it took me like 20 seconds to figure out what was going on."

NYPD investigators were later seen collecting pamphlets that Mr Azzarello had scattered before self-immolating. They have deemed the area safe.

Investigators are still interviewing witnesses and said he didn't appear to say anything before setting fire to himself.

Three NYPD officers and one court officer had minor injuries after helping to extinguish the blaze.

Officials said they will now reassess security outside the court.

Money

Too bad