Man Who Set Self On Fire At Capitol Was Homeless Vet

ATLANTA, GA — The man who used fireworks and improvised explosives to set himself on fire outside the Georgia state capitol building on Tuesday has been identified as a homeless Air Force veteran.

John Michael Watts, 58, has no current address, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Authorities did not release any specific grievances Watts — who was being treated at Grady Memorial Hospital with burns over 85-90 percent of his body — has with the VA. But some veterans and other critics have targeted the administration, and the Department of Veteran Affairs, which oversees it, complaining of long wait times and less-than-adequate care.

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Streets around the capitol building were shut down for hours on Tuesday as law enforcement officers from multiple agencies worked to make sure Watts hadn't placed any other explosive devices at or around the capitol. Robots from the Atlanta Police Department bomb squad were used to remove items from his Nissan Sentra, which was parked near the Gold Dome.

At about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Watts approached the west entrance of the capitolwearing "a vest lined with fireworks and flammable devices," according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. He then doused himself with a flammable liquid and lit the fireworks, according to DPS.

State troopers were gathered nearby at the capitol for a press conference about enforcement of Georgia's new hands-free driving law, which goes into effect on July 1. One of them put out the flames with a fire extinguisher, according to the Department of Public Safety. The man has been taken to Grady Memorial Hospital to be treated.

Video captured by CBS-46 shows state patrol spokeswoman Natalie Dale speaking at that conference when she is interrupted by several loud bangs. As sirens begin wailing in the background, the press conference is ended and troopers gathered for it can be seen running to respond.

Anyone having thoughts of suicide or self harm may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the group's website. The lifeline provides free, confidential counseling and support.

The Department of Public Safety said Watts was alert and communicating when he was taken to the hospital.

Photo courtesy Georgia Bureau of Investigation