Man Lights Himself On Fire Near White House: Secret Service

WASHINGTON, DC -- Authorities have rendered first aid to a man who lit himself on fire on the Ellipse in front of the White House on Wednesday, U.S. Secret Service says.

The Secret Service tweeted that the man lit himself at around 12:20 p.m., and Secret Service personnel were being assisted by the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police.

People reported a large plume of smoke from the area on social media, according to NBC Washington, which reported that he was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The incident is similar to one last month, when a man outside the White House set his jacket on fire. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

At approximately 12:20 p.m. a man lit himself on fire on the Ellipse near 15th and Constitution Ave., Secret Service personnel are on scene assisting @NatlParkService and @usparkpolicepio in rendering first aid.
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) May 29, 2019