Man Sets Self On Fire At White House

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http://www.nbc4.com/news/3919821/detail.html

Police: Man Sets Self On Fire At White House

WASHINGTON -- A man with a message for President George W. Bush set himself on fire in front of the White House Monday afternoon, District officials said.

U.S. Park police and Secret Service are investigating the incident that forced the closure of the newly reopened Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.

At about 2:05 p.m., the man approached the northwest gate at the White House, which is the gate visitors normally use. He said he had a letter for the president, and Secret Service told him he would have to mail it.

The man then stepped away from the gate, pulled out a lighter and set himself on fire. The flames were put out but the area was evacuated as authorities investigated a nearby backpack. No explosives were found.

"Just got in front of the White House when I heard a Secret Service radio go off that some guy just set himself on fire in front of the White House," said witness Jim Clarke. "I turned around and this guy was fully engulfed in flames."

Clarke said the fire was extinguished quickly. Other witnesses said they heard the man screaming in pain.

The man, believed to be about 60 years old, was taken to Washington Hospital Center's Burn Unit to be treated for burns to 30 percent of his body, according to D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services spokesman Alan Etter. He suffered burns to his face, head, hands and back. He has not yet been identified publicly.

Investigators said they have the letter that he wanted to send to the president but they have not revealed its contents.

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