Pro-Palestinian protester sets himself on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta

Photo: Allison Bailey/AlamyPro-Palestine protester self-immolates outside Israeli consulate in Atlanta

Man, not yet seen identified, is located in critical condition, and a security guard who tried to intervene was wounded.

A protester holding a Palestinian flag self-immolated Friday outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, injuring a guard. Authorities said the security guard tried intervene.

The man, who has not been identified, is in critical condition, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said at a news conference. The guard's condition was not immediately clear.

The United Auto Workers is calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the largest union to do so. Read more

“We believe this building remains safe and we don’t see any threat here,” the leader said. “We believe that this was an act of extreme political protest.”

The protester arrived at about 12:15 p.m. ET at the office building that houses the consulate as well as several businesses and used gasoline, police said.

The FBI office in Atlanta said , which coordinates with local law enforcement agencies. The Israeli consulate and embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Israel resumed its military offensive in the Gaza Strip on Friday after negotiations to extend a week-long truce failed. .

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the militant group attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages, according to Israeli counts.

More than 15,000 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli attack, Palestinian officials say, which destroyed much of the area.

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The conflict has sparked hundreds of protests and rallies across the United States, both in support of Palestinians and Israelis. < /p>