Secret Service: Man Tries to Set Himself on Fire Outside the White House

A man has apparently attempted to set himself on fire outside the White House. He caused a commotion by lighting his jacket on fire before Secret Service agents stepped in and whisked him away. He is being treated for injuries.

The Secret Service said the suspect, who has not been identified, was operating an electronic wheelchair-type scooter when he lit his outer jacket on fire while sitting along Pennsylvania Ave, outside the North Fence Line. Uniformed Division Officers then responded immediately, extinguishing the fire and providing first aid.As the Secret Service apprehended the man, the White House was placed on lockdown and reporters ushered inside.

UPDATE: A male subject operating an electronic wheelchair-type scooter lit his outer jacket on fire while sitting along Pennsylvania Ave. outside the North Fence Line. Uniformed Division Officers immediately responded, extinguished the fire and rendered first aid.

— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) April 12, 2019

In a follow-up tweet, the agencies said, “the male subject has been transported to a local hospital with what appears to be non-life threatening injuries.”