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
I’ll BE a 58-year old Veteran next month. It wasn’t me, either! :)
Liberals....................
That said, I'm seeing a pattern here...
Green activist lawyer burns himself to death to protest global warming
My husband met a fellow vet one day, and discovered they had a lot in common. The guy asked my husband if hed ever been to some particular place, I forget where. My husband replied that he wasnt there, in 1977. The other guy said he wasnt there either, in 1976. They went on, discussing all the places they hadnt been. Turns out, they had crossed paths several times.
I think setting oneself on fire is extreme. I dont see how you can interpret that as making it seem logical.
“The man was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where troopers said he was severely burned and injured.”
They severely burned and injured him at a hospital? No wonder he was disgruntled.
prayers
so many crazy people....so many “me..me..me” crazies...
people can hate SS or hate the IRS or hate the Dept of Licensing etc...
everyone thinks they are special but infact, to the govt, none of us are "special"...
the fact is, there is nothing the VA can do to make people happier, or more peaceful, or love God more, or make marriages work, etc...
anyone sick in this country can go to any ER and get treatment....they can not turn you away...
Well I hope the suffering doesn’t disappoint him.
He’s in for pure Hell if he lives.
This is horrific.
I dont think that he intended to still be alive. I once burned 10% on my legs to the second degree, (a Hold my beer moment) and it was hellish to recover.
I am praying that this man just gets peace in heaven, after coming to know Jesus.
There is no better just than that.
Garnish his VA benefits to pay the huge medical bills he’s running up. (Burns are really expensive).
Obviously a crazy that couldn’t handle his drugs and who should have been institutionalized in a padded cell.
Shell shock. Battle fatigue.
PTSD is just so lefty/psycho-babble
Just. Damn.
My respects to your husband and his friend.
I wish they’d declassify a lot of those. There are many servicemen who have been short-changed on some awards. Of course, most of them don’t really care about medals.
I’m guessing he may have served under GHW Bush in the early ‘90s Gulf Wars/Desert Storm. He was born in 1960.
“PTSD is just so lefty/psycho-babble”
Whatever you call it, it’s real.
This is some odd behavior. Did he or anyone else get a bead on what he was “protesting” ? Weird.
It’s not much of a spectacle or protest, but the only way I want to go is peacefully in my sleep.
Newt Gingrich had the best and simplest solution for the VA.
Give every vet a card, JUST LIKE A MEDICARE CARD, which can be presented anywhere for medical services.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.