Washington, D.C. A demonstration in the 800 block of 16th Street, Northwest, took a distressing turn on Saturday.
At approximately 5:45 p.m., an adult male participating in the demonstration attempted to light himself on fire. Members of the D.C. Metro Police Department and bystanders quickly extinguished the flames. D.C. Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the man to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Chief Pamela A. Smith emphasized the District’s commitment to peaceful first amendment activities. She stated that the D.C. Metro Police Department manages hundreds of protests and demonstrations annually, reaffirming support for those who protest peacefully while holding accountable those who engage in criminal acts.
Smith expressed gratitude to the members of the D.C. Metro Police Department for their collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, as well as appreciation for the community’s efforts to maintain safety in the District.
