Current:Home > BackProtester lights self on fire outside Israeli consulate in Atlanta-InfoLens
Protester lights self on fire outside Israeli consulate in Atlanta
View Date:2024-12-23 10:37:51
A person was in critical condition Friday after lighting themself on fire in an apparent protest outside an office building that houses the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, authorities said.
The protester was being treated for third-degree burns across their body, Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith said at a news briefing Friday afternoon, and a security guard who tried to stop the person suffered burns to his wrist and leg.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said a Palestinian flag was found at the scene. He added there was no indication the incident was linked to terrorism.
“We believe this building remains safe, and we do not see any threat here,” Schierbaum said. “We believe it was an act of extreme political protest that occurred.”
The person arrived outside the building Friday afternoon and used gasoline as an accelerant, Smith said. Authorities did not release the protester’s name, age or gender.
Schierbaum said police are aware of heightened tensions in the Jewish and Muslim communities and have stepped up patrols at certain locations, including the consulate.
Demonstrations have been widespread amid rising tensions in the U.S. as the death toll rises in the Israel-Hamas war. A weeklong cease-fire gave way Friday morning to resumed fighting.
Contributing: Associated Press
veryGood! (2)
Related
- Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
- A first look at the 2025 Cadillac Escalade
- JoJo Siwa Details Her Exact Timeline for Welcoming Her 3 Babies
- Mýa says being celibate for 7 years provided 'mental clarity'
- Burt Bacharach, composer of classic songs, will have papers donated to Library of Congress
- Bookmaker to plead guilty in gambling case tied to baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter
- Ohio historical society settles with golf club to take back World Heritage tribal site
- Man accused of beheading father in their home is competent to stand trial, judge rules
- Jennifer Garner Details Navigating Grief 7 Months After Death of Her Dad William Garner
- 10 reasons why Caitlin Clark is not on US women's basketball roster for 2024 Olympic
Ranking
- 2 more escaped monkeys recaptured and enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in South Carolina
- After Gershkovich and Whelan freed, this American teacher remains in Russian custody
- North Carolina House member back in leading committee position 3 years after removal
- USA's Suni Lee didn't think she could get back to Olympics. She did, and she won bronze
- Jason Kelce collaborates with Stevie Nicks for Christmas duet: Hear the song
- Alsu Kurmasheva, Russian-American journalist, freed in historic prisoner swap
- Jailer agrees to plead guilty in case of inmate who froze to death at jail
- Massachusetts governor says Steward Health Care must give 120-day notice before closing hospitals
Recommendation
-
Secret Service Agent Allegedly Took Ex to Barack Obama’s Beach House
-
What is August's birthstone? There's actually three. Get to know the month's gems.
-
These Designer Michael Kors Handbags Are up 85% off Right Now & All Under $100
-
Jonathan Majors breaks silence on Robert Downey Jr. replacing him as next 'Avengers' villain
-
Fate of Netflix Series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Revealed
-
Exonerees call on Missouri Republican attorney general to stop fighting innocence claims
-
Brittney Griner: ‘Head over heels’ for Americans coming home in prisoner swap
-
Cannabis business owned by Cherokees in North Carolina to begin sales to any adult in September