Georgia Capitol: Protester Sets Self On Fire

ATLANTA, GA — A protester outside the Georgia state capitol building used gasoline and fireworks Tuesday morning to set himself on fire, according to authorities.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, a 58-year-old man who identified himself as an Air Force veteran approached the west entrance of the capitol at about 10:45 a.m., wearing "a vest lined with fireworks and flammable devices."

He then doused himself with a flammable liquid and lit the fireworks, according to DPS.

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Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Col. Mark McDonough told WSB-TV that the protester was "disgruntled with the VA."

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. (See video below.)

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.

WSB reported that the man is from Mableton. He has burns on 85-90 percent of his body, according to the station. DPS said he was alert and speaking at the scene and said he was "trying to bring attention to the Veterans Administration system."

The capitol and other state buildings were evacuated Tuesday, as bomb technicians from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Atlanta Police Department checked out the scene, including the man's car.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Washington Street, between Trinity and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, remained closed to traffic as investigators worked the scene.

Authorities are waiting until family members have been notified before publicly releasing the man's name.

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone