2 Injured In Midtown After Woman Tries To Set Self On Fire

MIDTOWN — Two people were injured around 12:15 p.m. Friday after Atlanta Fire said a woman attempted to set herself on fire during a protest near a Spring Street building.

A security guard tried to thwart what police called an arson but failed to do so, Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick M. Smith said at a news conference.

The guard sustained burns on his wrist and leg while the woman had 100 third-degree burns to the body, Smith said. They were both taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. The woman was in critical condition, Smith said.

Gasoline was used as an accelerate, he said.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the protest was extremely political, and said there was no credible threat against the Israeli Consulate. The consulate is reportedly housed in the Spring building.

The consulate general told Atlanta News First members of the consulate were OK.

Atlanta Police and Atlanta Fire are investigating the ongoing case.

Correction: This article has been corrected to reflect the woman suffered 100 third-degree burns, not 100-degree burns.