The Secret Service detained a man outside the White House on Friday afternoon after he apparently attempted to light himself on fire.

A Secret Service spokeswoman confirmed the man had tried to set his jacket on fire, and the D.C. Fire Department responded to administer first aid. No information about the man's condition or reason for setting himself on fire was immediately available.

The identity of the man was not released. It appears only one person was involved in the incident.

Authorities removed reporters, who were gathered on the driveway, from the area following the incident. Most were guided back into the West Wing.



White House reporters were just sternly ordered away from Pennsylvania Ave. fence, including out of TV tents



There's a major incident response here now. Talk is someone set themselves on fire, but I did not see it pic.twitter.com/YOdMAeZ6ei — Steven Nelson (@stevennelson10) April 12, 2019



The Secret Service said the man was operating an electronic, wheelchair-type scooter before he set himself on fire.

He was taken to the hospital. Authorities closed Pennsylvania Avenue and locked down the White House as authorities investigated a suspicious package found near the man.

Authorities lifted the lockdown on the White House late Friday afternoon. The Associated Press reported President Trump was at the White House at the time.

It is unclear if the man will be arrested or face charges. He is being described by multiple media outlets as a likely protester.

The Secret Service said they are still investigating.

