Man Sets Self Ablaze Outside White House

An unidentified man set himself on fire on a snowy sidewalk in front of the White House Friday night and was later reported hospitalized with critical burns.

“About two minutes after 10, the gentleman walked up to just outside the gate by the White House . . . and struck a match. Apparently, he was already doused with gasoline, and he lit himself on fire,” said White House spokesman Dale Petroskey. He said the man appeared to be about 35 to 40 years old and apparently was alone.