A pro-Palestinian protester reportedly set themselves on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Georgia while wearing the Palestinian flag.
The individual, who has not been identified, covered themselves in gasoline outside the Consulate General of Israel in Atlanta around noon on Friday.
A nearby security guard quickly responded and tried to put out the flames, but the individual sustained burns on his leg and wrists.
“This was likely an extreme act of political protest,” Atlanta Police Department Chief Darin Schierbaum said. “The individual that was injured was an individual that was carrying out a protest.”
Schierbaum said that police had “dedicated patrols” around the area and other locations throughout the city to keep the public safe.
“We are saddened to learn of the self-immolation at the entrance to the office building,” Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, said. “It is tragic to see the hate and incitement toward Israel expressed in such a horrific way.”
“The sanctity of life is our highest value,” the statement added. “Our prayers are with the security officer who was injured while trying to prevent this tragic act. We are grateful to the city of Atlanta’s law enforcement and first responders for all they do to ensure safety.”
