Maxwell Azzarello Was Misidentified As A Shooter Before He Lit Himself On Fire | VIDEO

Maxwell Azzarello, the man who lit himself on fire outside the Manhattan courtroom on Friday, was misidentified as an 'active shooter' initially, causing a lot of confusion. CNN's Laura Coates was reporting from the scene when the Florida-native self-immolated. At first, she called for a shooter. But then had to correct herself quickly.

Azzarello, who was identified as by the New York Police Department about an hour after he lit himself on fire, sustained major burns. He was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition. The 37-year-old has been described as a 'conspiracy theorist'. He had written a lengthy article on Substack blasting politicians, billionaires and even made reference to The Simpsons. The manifesto-style document warned of an impending “apocalyptic fascist world coup.”

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The NYPD said that at around 1:30 PM local time, Maxwell Azzarello entered a park outside the Manhattan courthouse, where Donald Trump's hush money trial is taking place. He first tossed some papers into the air and then lit himself on fire.

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CNN's Laura Coates was at the scene. "Active Shooter, Active Shooter!" she yelled. However, after seeing a man burning in the park outside the courthouse, she covered it up quickly.

"CNN's Laura Coates showing her chops here. A real 'How To' for on-scene coverage. - ‘Man On Fire!’ CNN’s Laura Coates Breaks Away from Trump Court Case Report As Active Shooter Sets Self On Fire In Front Of Courthouse," a user on X, platform formerly known as Twitter, praised her.

Some other slammed the reporter for 'jumping the gun'.