An unusual incident took place tonight (between Friday and Saturday, Israel time) when a demonstrator was hospitalized in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta. Local police said it was not a terrorist incident but rather a "political protest" in which a Palestinian flag was found next to the demonstrator.
Police disperse a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Paris (Archive)
According to security forces, the protester arrived at the consulate gates and set himself on fire with the help of teargas, and a local security guard who tried to arrest him was also wounded by the fire and evacuated for medical treatment in light condition. In a statement to the media, the police also said that the incident involved deliberate arson, and that the Palestinian flag was near the demonstrator. It is not yet known whether the protester tried to enter the consulate before setting himself on fire.
The pro-Palestinian demonstration, photo: AP
Israel's Consulate General in Atlanta, Anat Sultan-Dadon, said in response to the incident: "We are sorry to hear about the arson incident at the entrance to the office building. It is tragic to see the hatred and incitement against Israel in such a horrific way. The sanctity of life is a supreme value in our eyes."
"Our prayers are with the security officer who was injured while trying to prevent this tragic act. We are grateful to Atlanta's law enforcement and medical assistance for everything they are doing to keep the place safe," she added.
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