A 52-year-old man, identified by activists as Tibetan, died Thursday evening after setting himself on fire in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York City. Police responded to a 911 call around 6:30 p.m. and found the man with severe burns. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials stated they were unable to comment on the man's motives for the act. The identity of the deceased has not been officially released, pending notification of his family.
Activists and a media outlet representing exiled Tibetans have identified the man as a Tibetan protester seeking independence. Reports from these sources link the self-immolation to appeals against what they describe as China's "oppressive rule in Tibetan areas." International human rights groups and Tibetan exiles have historically voiced strong condemnation of China's policies in Tibet.
Read More: Tibetan man dies after setting himself on fire outside UN
The incident occurred on Thursday. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
