Maxwell Azzarello, who tragically died by self-immolation during former President Trump’s hush money trial, previously worked for the Democratic congressman who helped flip Rep. George Santos’s seat blue, as per online records. Rep. Tom Suozzi, currently representing Nassau County and parts of Queens, assumed office this February and previously served from 2017 to 2023 before Santos briefly held his seat.
According to Azzarello’s LinkedIn profile, he served as an Operations Director for Friends of Tom Suozzi from August 2013 to November 2013. The 37-year-old Florida resident passed away on Friday night from severe burns sustained during the incident at Collect Pond Park near the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Around 1:30 p.m., Azzarello scattered multiple pamphlets from his backpack, then doused himself with a flammable liquid and set himself ablaze. The pamphlets contained a link to his Substack page and delved into conspiracy theories.
A spokesperson from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) informed Fox News Digital that Azzarello was declared dead around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, approximately nine hours after the self-immolation incident.
Azzarello had previously worked for Suozzi during the latter’s campaign for Nassau County Executive in 2013. His LinkedIn profile indicates his responsibilities included organizing debates, coordinating commercial shoots, planning campaign rallies, and handling interest group inquiries.
Azzarello also had responsibilities in creating social media content, drafting press releases, and maintaining Suozzi’s events calendar. Suozzi, in a statement to the New York Post, expressed his recollection of the protester and extended heartfelt wishes to his family.
“Max Azzarello was part of my campaign team for Nassau County Executive in 2013,” Suozzi remarked. “Though I haven’t crossed paths with Max since then, I recall him as a kind, intelligent, and diligent individual. It’s heartbreaking to hear of his passing, and my thoughts are with Max and his family during this difficult time.”