A little more on the self-immolation in DC.

DC police spokesman: Man who set himself on fire on the National Mall has died of his injuries

washingtonpost.com

“The man’s name and age were not immediately known, and his burns were so severe that authorities will need to use DNA and dental records to identify him, Alali said.

“The man poured a can of gasoline on himself in the center portion of the mall Friday afternoon. He then set himself on fire, with passing joggers taking off their shirts to help douse the flames. Police had said he was conscious and breathing at the scene, but he was airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

(snip)

“Lt. Pamela Smith of the U.S. Park said she was unaware that he carried any signs or had articulated a cause. One witness, Katy Scheflen, said that she saw a tripod set up near the man but that she did not hear him say anything intelligible before he set himself on fire. But it was unclear if the man was filming the incident.”

Very sad. Seems to me he probably was trying to make a point, but I’m wondering what’s on the “tripod” (camera?) near him—was it his?

You don’t travel to DC to set yourself on fire unless you are protesting something.