A Colorado man who lit himself on fire in front of the Supreme Court building Friday evening has died, according to officials. Police identified the man as Wynn Bruce, 50, of Boulder.
The man — who was 50 and from Boulder, Colorado — went to the plaza in front of the court building at about 6:30 p.m. and set himself on fire, D.C. Metropolitan Police said. He was air lifted to a hospital before he died from his injuries.
The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement that a medical helicopter landed near the Capitol for a medical emergency.
In a video tweeted by a Fox reporter, the helicopter was shown landing on the steps of the nation’s highest court. Another video from Fox showed a U.S. Park Police helicopter flying near the Capitol.
Two streets near the Supreme Court were momentarily closed as a result of the emergency.
The US Capitol Police first reported on Twitter that a helicopter had touched down near the area “for a medical emergency” at around 6:45 p.m. The aircraft then left the scene just before 7 p.m.
Take a look (below):
Park Service helicopter lands on steps of Supreme Court after man tries to set himself on fire pic.twitter.com/jVEsgvEyas
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 22, 2022
Another video posted on Twitter showed the helicopter taking off and flying away. Check it out (below):
Park Service helicopter just air lifted man to the hospital who tried to set himself on fire on the Supreme Court steps. Copter flies by the Capitol pic.twitter.com/HZp6531S7w
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 22, 2022
Thankfully, a Supreme Court spokesperson told multiple outlets that no one else had been injured during the incident. US Capitol Police also mentioned on social media that the situation was “not a public safety issue.” However, the area surrounding the Supreme Court and Capitol buildings remained closed “for further investigation” after Bruce was carried away to the hospital.
Police have not revealed any other details about the incident at this time, including the potential motivation behind the man’s actions. An investigation is ongoing at this time.
Our hearts go out to Bruce’s loved ones during this difficult time.
[Image via CNBC/YouTube]
