United States

Man Sets Himself on Fire in Front of White House

The man has mental health issues and was not a threat to President Donald Trump, law enforcement sources said

A man sitting on an "electronic wheelchair-type scooter" set his jacket on fire in front of the White House Friday afternoon, the U.S. Secret Service said.

The U.S. Secret Service and D.C. Fire and EMS went to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW about 3:15 p.m.

The Secret Service put the fire out and provided aid to the man. A suspicious package was found near the man.

D.C. Fire medics treated the man, who is in Secret Service custody. He was taken to a hospital with injuries that don't appear to be life-threatening.

D.C. Fire is investigating the suspicious package.

The man has mental health issues and was not a threat to President Donald Trump, law enforcement sources said.

The Secret Service cleared the North Lawn of the White House, Lafayette Square and the sidewalk in front of the White House during the investigation. Traffic was blocked on 17th Street between H and G streets. The media was asked to stay in the West Wing.

Streets have reopened.

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