Authorities said the man was seen on UN surveillance footage placing the flag on the sidewalk before the self-immolation occurred around 7 pm.
A man carrying a Tibetan flag set himself on fire Thursday evening outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City, according to law enforcement sources. The incident unfolded near East 43rd Street and First Avenue and prompted a large emergency response.
Authorities said the man was seen on UN surveillance footage placing the flag on the sidewalk before the self-immolation occurred around 7 pm. The area was quickly cordoned off with police tape as officers and emergency personnel arrived at the scene.
The protester was transported to Bellevue Hospital in grave condition, according to sources familiar with the case. His current condition has not been publicly updated.
A police officer was also seen near signage reading “CHINA OUT OF TIBET” during the response, as the investigation continued in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Witness images showed NYPD personnel, including members of the Evidence Collection Team, examining the area as it remained sealed off with blue police tape.
The Tibetan flag remained visible at the scene for roughly an hour after the incident as authorities continued their work, according to photographs taken at the location.
