Man sets self alight outside of White House

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A man who set his jacket on fire outside of the White House has been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor wounds, the Secret Service said Friday.

The man, who has not been identified, is suffering from non-life-threatening injuries, the service said, adding he was operating a motorized wheelchair when he lit what the service called an "outer jacket" on fire.

Officers quickly responded, putting out the fire and administering first aid, the Secret Service said on Twitter.

The White House was placed on lockdown during the event, which took place Friday afternoon, and traffic was closed in the area while the Secret Service responded.

Streets have since reopened and the lockdown has been lifted.