NE Atlanta News

During an incident outside the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta on Friday, a protestor sustained critical injuries after setting himself on fire. A security guard was also injured in an attempt to intervene. In response to the escalating tensions within Jewish and Muslim communities, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum has announced increased patrols at specific locations, such as consulates.

AP News reports that Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum addressed this issue during a news conference stating, "We do not see any threat here. We believe it was an act of extreme political protest that occurred." Schierbaum also revealed that a Palestinian flag was found at the site of the incident.

Authorities have chosen to withhold the identity of the individual involved in self-immolation, as reported by AP News. According to Fire Chief Roderick Smith, this individual positioned themselves outside the consulate building in midtown Atlanta on Friday afternoon and used gasoline to ignite themselves.

Fox News stated that agencies including Atlanta police, FBI, and ATF responded promptly to the situation.

In response to this tragic event, Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States expressed sorrow in her statement shared by Fox News: "We are saddened to learn of the self-immolation at the entrance to the office building. It is tragic to see hate and incitement toward Israel expressed in such a horrific way. The sanctity of life is our highest value. Our prayers are with the security officer who was injured while trying to prevent this tragic act. We are grateful to city law enforcement and first responders for all they do."

The New York Times disclosed that officials have confirmed that the protestor suffered third-degree burns and remains in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital following admission. The guard suffered burns on his wrist and leg during his intervention.

As per AP News report, renewed conflict between Israel and Hamas sparked shortly after a weeklong ceasefire ended on Friday morning. The ceasefire had been initiated for the exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.