On Saturday evening, a man attempted to set himself on fire during a pro-Palestinian rally outside the White House in Washington, D.C. The incident unfolded in front of several protesters and bystanders who quickly intervened.
Breitbart reported that police and bystanders rushed to extinguish the flames, and the man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, tried to set himself ablaze while making comments about misinformation and journalism.
The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m., as reported by *The Washington Post*. As the flames engulfed part of the man's body, police officers and members of the public sprang into action. They used shirts and kaffiyehs to smother the flames, while one person poured water over the man’s arm, which appeared to be burned.
Footage captured by Jessica Costescu, a reporter for the *Washington Free Beacon*, showed the man on fire as onlookers rushed to assist. The chaotic scene was widely shared on social media platforms, drawing attention to the dramatic event.
In the video footage, the man can be heard shouting, "We spread the misinformation," repeatedly claiming that he is a "journalist." This statement raised questions about his motives, although it remains unclear whether he had any direct connection to media organizations or if his statement was metaphorical.
After the fire was extinguished, the man continued to repeat his claims about misinformation and journalism, as he was escorted away by police officers. Several photos taken after the incident showed police walking alongside the man, who appeared shaken but conscious.
According to Pamela A. Smith, the police chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, officers and bystanders quickly stepped in to extinguish the fire. In a statement, she confirmed that "an adult male participating in a demonstration had attempted to light himself on fire."
Smith also noted that the man had been transported to a local hospital by D.C. Fire and EMS for treatment. His injuries, although serious, were deemed non-life threatening.
The pro-Palestinian rally had drawn a significant crowd in front of the White House, where protesters were voicing their concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Many of those in attendance were shocked by the man’s extreme action, which briefly interrupted the demonstration.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as both alarming and chaotic, with some rushing to assist while others filmed the event. One attendee said, “I didn’t know what was happening at first. Then I saw the flames, and people were already running to help him.”
Although the man made several claims about being a journalist, authorities have not confirmed his identity or professional background. His statements about spreading misinformation have left many speculating about his intentions and whether his actions were related to the broader theme of the rally.
It remains unclear whether the man intended to protest against the conflict in the Middle East or if his actions were a personal statement unrelated to the rally’s primary focus.
The Metropolitan Police Department is expected to investigate the man’s actions further. As of now, no charges have been filed, and police have not released any additional information about the man or his condition following his hospitalization.
The rally resumed shortly after the man was taken to the hospital, with police ensuring that the crowd remained peaceful. Officers were seen patrolling the area, monitoring the demonstration as it continued into the evening.
As news of the self-immolation attempt spread, social media was flooded with reactions. Some users expressed disbelief over the event, while others voiced concern about the man's mental health and the pressures that might have led him to take such drastic action.
Jessica Costescu’s video of the incident was shared widely, with many commenting on the quick response by both bystanders and police. The footage has since sparked discussions about the role of misinformation in protests and journalism.
