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Atlanta/United States: At least two people were injured outside an Israeli Consulate General building in Atlanta. The incident unfolded on Friday afternoon when a person involved in a political protest attempted self-immolation. A protester displaying a Palestinian flag set himself on fire in a shocking act. A security guard who tried to intervene suffered burn injuries on his wrists and legs. The injured parties were immediately taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
According to Atlanta police, a security guard saw the protester trying to set herself on fire outside the building. The protester used gasoline as an accelerant, resulting in severe burns and critical condition. The security guard’s wrists and legs were burnt while trying to stop the protestor. Authorities recovered a Palestinian flag from the scene, which was part of the protest. The building, in addition to housing the Israeli Consulate, also accommodates several businesses. Officials confirmed that everyone inside the building is safe and there is no imminent danger.
A protestor wrapped in a Palestinian flag set themselves on fire with gasoline outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, GA, today.
A security guard attempted to stop the person but was unsuccessful. This is an extreme act of political protest, and it’s only getting worse. pic.twitter.com/4vfqJjPmRv
— 🇺🇸 Larry 🇺🇸 (@LarryDJonesJr) December 1, 2023
Responding to the situation were Atlanta Police, FBI and ATF. Despite the extreme nature of the protests, authorities have stated that they do not view the incident as a terrorist act. The incident is being considered an extreme act of political protest. Anat Sultan-Dadon, Israel’s Consul General to the Southeastern United States, expressed sadness over the incident and expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders who ensured safety at the scene.
Investigation into the matter is currently underway by Atlanta Police. They are attempting to understand the motives and context behind this extreme act, hoping to prevent such incidents in the future. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has “resumed combat operations” shortly after midnight ET on Friday and accused Hamas of breaching the truce first by firing rockets toward Israeli territory.Israel also expanded its operations, which have until now been concentrated in northern Gaza. The IDF dropped leaflets in the southern city of Khan Younis, calling it a “fighting zone” and telling residents to “evacuate immediately,” Sources reported.
