Man sets himself on fire outside Israeli Embassy in Washington

A man set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC on Sunday, according to a statement from the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.

"The Metropolitan Police Department responded to the 3500 block of International Drive, NW, at approximately 1pm, to assist the United States Secret Service after an individual set themselves on fire in front of an embassy in the block," MPD said in a statement to CNN.

The adult male was transported by DC Fire and EMS to a local hospital and remains in critical condition, MPD said.

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A spokesperson from the Israeli Embassy said the man's identity is unknown, and "no embassy staff were injured and are safe".

By the time firefighters were dispatched to the scene, the fire had already been extinguished by the US Secret Service, according to Vito Maggiolo, a public information officer from DC Fire.

MPD is working with the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the incident.

It is unclear at this time what the motive was in the incident.

In December, a person set themselves on fire outside the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta in what police said was "likely an extreme act of political protest".

A Palestinian flag that was part of the protest was recovered at the scene, and gasoline was used as an accelerant, police and fire officials told reporters at a news conference.