WASHINGTON — A man attempted to set himself on fire on the steps outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Friday, officials said.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. EDT on the plaza in front of the building, Supreme Court spokesperson Patricia McCabe said in a statement. A medical helicopter landed near the Capitol for a medical emergency, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement.
According to the Capitol Police, the incident was not a public safety issue, WTTG-TV reported. Several blocks near the Supreme Court were closed because of the incident, according to the television station.
A medical helicopter just landed near the Capitol for a medical emergency.
— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 22, 2022
This is not a public safety issue. pic.twitter.com/WmGGmlBOQY
In a video tweeted by a Fox News reporter, a helicopter was shown landing on the steps of the nation’s highest court. Another video from Fox showed a U.S. Park Police helicopter flying near the Capitol.
Supreme Court Police, Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police responded and the person was airlifted to an area hospital, ABC News reported.
No one else was injured, McCabe said.
>> 4 people shot in Washington near University of DC; person of interest named
The incident comes amid a chaotic 48 hours in the nation’s capital. Earlier Friday, four people were wounded near the University of the District of Columbia in the northwest area of the city. On Wednesday, Capitol Police temporarily evacuated the Capitol complex when an unidentified aircraft flew near the Capitol. That aircraft was later found to be carrying U.S. Army Golden Knights to nearby Nationals Park for a parachute demonstration before a major league baseball game.
©2022 Cox Media Group
