Man dies after setting himself on fire outside UN Headquarters in New York

A man died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on Thursday (July 2).

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), officers responded to an emergency call at around 6:30pm and found the victim, believed to be about 52 years old, with severe burn injuries outside the UN complex. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors later declared him dead.

Police said a Tibetan flag was recovered near the victim, but authorities have not released his identity or determined a motive behind the apparent self-immolation. The incident remains under investigation.

A UN spokesperson said the incident occurred after all scheduled meetings and sessions had concluded for the day, and the organisation's operations were not disrupted.

According to the International Campaign for Tibet, more than 150 Tibetans self-immolated between 2009 and 2022 in protest against Beijing's rule over Tibet, highlighting the long-running political tensions surrounding the region.

Source: AP