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Newscasters who were going live with the news that jury selection was completed were in shock as a man set himself on fire outside a Manhattan courthouse on Friday. Inside, former President Donald Trump sat, awaiting the beginning of his hush money trial in New York City. Many were concerned that something so dangerous could happen in such proximity to a former president. Trump himself wasn’t too worried, however.
Trump Was Reportedly Sleeping and Passing Gas During Friday’s Action
All week, reports have come out of the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump will stand trial that the former president has been fighting sleep. On more than one day, those inside the courtroom claimed that Trump had sat with his eyes closed, though some wouldn’t go as far as to say he was asleep.
On Friday, new details about Trump’s demeanor were being alleged. Ben Meiselas, founder of MeidasTouch, appeared in an interview talking about the former president passing gas amid proceedings.
What I’m hearing from credible sources is that Donald Trump is actually farting in the courtroom… I’m hearing it from actual credible people that as he’s kind of falling asleep, he’s actually passing gas and that his lawyers are really struggling with the smell.
Ben Meiselas
In this trial, Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up the payment made to Stormy Daniels during his first presidential election run.
He Wasn’t Bothered By the Fire Outside the Courthouse
Shortly after jury selection was completed, Max Azzarello, 37, set himself on fire. The shocking moment occurred in a press area outside the courthouse amid live updates from the trial. Newscasters reacted on-air to the moment, unsure if it was an isolated incident or part of a bigger threat.
People noted it was disturbing that despite heightened security and Secret Service presence, an incident like this still happened. Though Trump didn’t comment directly on the situation, an hour later, he posted on Truth Social, writing, “MAKE NEW YORK SAFE AGAIN!”
As for Azzarello, he died several hours after the blaze as a result of his injuries.