There are a number of reports that a man set themselves on fire at the National Mall in
The news first spread on Twitter, where witnesses described the scene:
Just witnessed the craziest thing ever... a man set himself on fire and danced down the Mall. #horrifying
- Vanessa Sink (@LiveMusicGirl) October 4, 2013
A D.C. Metro Police spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that they were responding to a report of a man on fire at the National Mall. The spokesperson added that the man was conscious and breathing.
A number of Twitter users have been posting pictures of police at the Mall:
Police respond to self immolation on the mall pic.twitter.com/QDEo4QiTz3
- Laura Wernick (@wernick7633) October 4, 2013
Massive fire & EMS response on National Mall. Medivac helicopter just took off from scene. Developing... pic.twitter.com/uY155U8nOs
- Jeff Goldberg (@jgoldbergABC7) October 4, 2013
Holy shit, someone just lit himself on fire in the middle of the National Mall pic.twitter.com/qzGgl9OuUo
- Ellie Hess (@Smellie03) October 4, 2013
Bystanders reportedly put the fire out:
My mom was near the guy who lit himself on fire on the Mall. Says these guys put it out with their shirts pic.twitter.com/xJToYEurqI
- Justin Sink (@JTSTheHill) October 4, 2013
We'll update this story as we find out more...