• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Man arrested after setting clothes on fire near White House

1:25
Self-immolation scare late today at the White House
Yuri Gripas/Reuters
ByAlexander Mallin and Jack Date
April 13, 2019, 12:57 AM

A man was arrested after trying to set his clothes on fire near the White House on Friday.

According to Secret Service, a male individual in a motorized wheelchair scooter on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House lit his jacket on fire while he was wearing it.

Police and rescue personnel remove a man on a stretcher from Lafayette Park after the man lit his jacket on fire in front of the White House in Washington, April 12, 2019.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

The Secret Service responded immediately, extinguished the fire and rendered first aid after pulling him back towards Lafayette Park, an official said.

Police and rescue personnel remove a man on a stretcher from Lafayette Park after the man lit his jacket on fire in front of the White House in Washington, April 12, 2019.
Carlos Barria/Reuters

The man was then evaluated on the scene and transported to an area hospital. The Secret Service said he was being treated for what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

Police secure the perimeter of the White House after a man reportedly tried to set himself on fire outside the presidential mansion on April 12, 2019 in Washington.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but it's unclear whether he was made aware of the incident. Members of the White House press corps were told by Secret Service officers to stay in the press briefing room for more than an hour as the scene was cleared.

The White House has deferred any further comment to the Secret Service.

ABC News' Luke Barr contributed to this report.

Up Next in News—

E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese brand: CDC, FDA

September 26, 2026

Judge in Lindsay Clancy case indefinitely impounds jury questionnaires

September 23, 2026

Simone Biles says 3 masked men stole luxury sports car from Chicago-area home

September 23, 2026

Capt. Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger shares new details of Alzheimer's diagnosis, his 'last flight'

September 23, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News