Posted on 06/26/2018 9:14:05 AM PDT by Red Badger
ATLANTA - Roads around the state Capitol are closed after troopers said a man set himself on fire near it.
We have several reporters and photographers at the scene for live updates on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.
Troopers tell Channel 2s Linda Stouffer that a disgruntled veteran drove up to and parked on Washington Street, near the west entrance of the Georgia State Capitol, around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
He got out of the car and walked toward the Capitol building, with homemade incendiary devices and fireworks on him, troopers said.
He then doused himself in a liquid and set himself on fire.
All of Ga State Capitol square considered a crime scene. NEW from GSP: no injuries in Capitol. Also: veteran transported to Grady, hes under guard. Doused himself w gasoline and set off fireworks. @wsbtv #breaking pic.twitter.com/RmTRlPoz0L Linda Stouffer (@LindaWSB) June 26, 2018
A trooper who was in the capitol, brought a fire extinguisher out and put the flames out.
The man was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where troopers said he was severely burned and injured. The veteran is a 58-year-old from Mabelton. He now has burns on 85 to 90 percent of his body.
Commissioner Mark McDonough with Ga State Patrol says veteran protesting set himself on fire. Had gasoline, Trooper put the flames out. Burns, injured extensively. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/QSGKcCR6FV Linda Stouffer (@LindaWSB) June 26, 2018
However, he was speaking after the explosion, troopers said.
He was able to tell authorities he was upset with the VA.
Troopers said the mans car is still parked beside the Capitol building, which is now a crime scene as investigators make sure there are no other threats in the area.
They said there is a large sign in the cars windshield with a name and phone number.
They are asking no one call the number at this time if they see it, in case the number is connected to a device inside or around the car.
No one inside or around the building was hurt in the explosion, troopers said.
Stouffer was in the area of the Capitol covering another story when she heard what she said sounded like fireworks nearby.
Emegency scene in front of Ga State Capitol. Ambulances, police.. after what sounded like fireworks/shots. @wsbtv #Breaking pic.twitter.com/PhdBJ7bDzn Linda Stouffer (@LindaWSB) June 26, 2018
People are nuts.
That is all.
“he was upset with the VA”
Socialized medicine strikes again! Single Payer = Death!
I’m a 58 year old veteran. Wasn’t me.
He sure showed them.......
I am certain I have never been that disgruntled.
Glad to hear it, 2DV. Sounds like he picked about the WORST way possible to “get help”.
That’ll show ‘em.
Same here. Sad that anyone would go to this extreme.
There is probably NOTHING that hurts more than BURNS!
“he was upset with the VA”
He’ll be even more upset with their burn treatment unit, now.
I don’t blame him for being upset with the VA, but self-immolation is probably not going to improve things for other vets, and certainly not for himself.
Every time I call the VA hospital, the first part of the recording asks if you are depressed or are having thoughts of suicide. If so, “press one now”.
Some people just make poor choices.
Crispy critter.
"...He now has burns on 85% to 90% of his body..."
Go to this extreme????
Saying it like that makes it seems like its a logical, sane thing to set oneself on fire when wronged.
Here's a clue...there are some serious mental health issues going on here.
The fact that he was a veteran is immaterial. Where would he have ever seen combat? PTSD? Not likely.
This is just another mentally ill individual.
Call the Suicide Hotline and they’ll put you on hold.........................
85 - 90% burned ! Prayers done for Him.
They will probably move Him to BAMC in San Antonio when stable enough. As far as I know is still the #1 Burn Treatment Center.
Depends on when he enlisted. There were no wars during my time in and I signed up at 17 and went active at 18. They did call me back for Desert Storm.
At 58 years old, and depending on his time/length of service, he may have seen combat in Panama and/or the First Gulf War.
I’m not saying it was PTSD; I’m only answering your question.
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