ATLANTA — A protester and a security guard were injured Friday afternoon in an "extreme political protest" in Midtown, police said.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said at a Friday news conference that a person stood outside the Israeli Consulate General building, located at 1100 Spring Street, right next to a school, where they allegedly set themselves on fire. A security guard tried to stop the person but was hurt in the process.
Atlanta Fire Chief Rod Smith said the security guard was burned on his wrist, and the protester received third-degree burns on their body.
The protester is in "critical condition," according to Smith. Schierbuam said a Palestinian flag was recovered from the scene.
Schierbaum said they do not believe anyone at the Israeli General Consulate is in danger. He added that all of the staff and residents were safe in the incident.
Friday started out normally for Charm Lash owner Christine Lee until she heard sirens around 12:30 p.m.
“I came outside to take a look and see what's going on," Lee said. "I noticed a lot of fire trucks out here, ambulances as well, and APD was out here and along with the crime scene unit, a lot of people outside, and I saw a couple of stretchers.”
Lee's lash studio is directly across the street from the building where the incident happened.
“I did see some clothing that looked like it was burnt," Lee said.
Listen to Schierbaum talk about the incident in the press conference below:
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Israeli consulate said it was "saddened" to hear about the incident, which they called a "horrific" way to express their position toward Israel.
"The sanctity of life is our highest value," Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon said. "Our prayers are with the security officer who was injured while trying to prevent this tragic act. We are grateful to the city of Atlanta’s law enforcement and first responders for all they do to ensure safety.”
In a comment, the FBI Atlanta Office said it is "aware of the Incident and is coordinating with local law enforcement." Images from the scene showed both local and federal investigators -- including agents from the ATF -- inspecting the aftermath of the incident; evidence markers were placed by charred bits of fabric, a backpack and what appeared to be a fuel canister surrounding a bench.
“It's terrible. Hopefully that person is OK," Lee said.
Photos: Local, federal investigators respond to person who set self on fire in protest
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