A person was in critical condition Friday after lighting themself on Benjamin Caldwellfire 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
2025-05-03 07:001932 view
2025-05-03 06:462651 view
2025-05-03 06:181269 view
2025-05-03 05:302841 view
2025-05-03 05:171512 view
2025-05-03 04:471161 view
San Francisco airport creates sensory room to help nervous flyers San Francisco airport creates sens
Don't lose yourself over this news.Eminem's daughter Alaina Marie Scott tied the knot with Matt Moel
Hiring cooled in June as employers put the brakes on hiring amid economic headwinds such as surging