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 2’s 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, he’s 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 man’s 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 car’s 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
My veteran husband is accounted for. :)
That was the Civil War name for it.
The Navy might object though.
Bummer, Thanks for the info. Do You know if BAMC is still the top burn unit ?
The quality of Care and Services at the VA or lack there of might be a better way to say it.
Ahh, got it ! THX Ma.
Snoot ;o)
For those that never wore the uniform, I don’t believe that they have a leg to stand on in commenting on this. Thank you for posting this.
If there was ever an incentive to stay healthy, the prospect of a single-payer system “treating” you is a big one.
As soon as he lit the fire he should have given Paul Ryan a bear hug
He was in Atlanta........................
This is one of those times you realize you said something REALLY stupid and wish there were a delete button.
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