Woman draped in Palestinian flag sets herself on fire outside Israeli Consulate
A protester and a security guard were injured on Friday after an "extreme political protest," police said.
A woman draped in a Palestinian flag set herself on fire in an "extreme political protest" on Friday, police said.
The incident occurred at around 12.45pm near the Israeli Consulate in midtown Atlanta, Georgia, and left the woman and a security guard severely injured.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said at a news conference on Friday that the woman had stood outside the Consulate General building - located at 1100 Spring Street - and set herself on fire.
A security guard tried to stop her, but Atlanta Fire Chief Rod Smith said the guard was burned on his wrist.
Smith said the protester received third-degree burns on her body and is in "critical condition" in the hospital.
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Schierbaum added that a Palestinian flag was recovered from the scene.
Schierbaum also said police do not believe anyone at the Israeli General Consulate is in danger, and he said all of the staff and residents are safe.
An investigation is currently underway as police and medical personnel respond to the scene.
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Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine potential threats to public safety.
There was a heightened security presence in the vicinity of 1100 Spring Street NW in Atlanta on Friday.
FBI officials said in a statement to Atlanta News First: "FBI Atlanta is aware of the incident and is coordinating with local law enforcement."
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