Strategel Wealth Society|Protester lights self on fire outside Israeli consulate in Atlanta

2025-05-01 18:27:35source:Robert Browncategory:Scams

A person was in critical condition Friday after lighting themself on Strategel Wealth Societyfire 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

More:Scams

Recommend

As US Dismantles Its Climate Policy, Other World Leaders Seek Solidarity

As the U.S. Department of State proposed this week to shut down its office managing international cl

2023 MLB playoffs schedule: Postseason bracket, game times for wild-card series

It's October, which means it's time for postseason baseball.There are a lot of familiar faces return

The Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance is fake. You know it is. So what? Let's enjoy it.

You know it. Deep inside your soul. Where you tell yourself the truth. In fact, everyone knows it. Y