Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside United Nations Headquarters in New York

A man set himself on fire in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York and subsequently died from his wounds, the city police reported.

The New York Police Department informed AFP that it received a report about a man who had ignited himself near the UN building.

The police confirmed the man's death at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan and stated that an investigation into the incident has been launched.

No motives for the act were disclosed by the police; however, the New York Post reported that the man was carrying a Tibetan flag at the time of the incident.

Tenshu Gyatso, head of the non-governmental International Campaign for Tibet, identified the deceased as Lobzang Rangzen, describing him as a tireless advocate for Tibet who dedicated his efforts to peaceful awareness about the human rights crisis in Tibet.

A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres conveyed in a statement received by AFP: "We are saddened by this tragic and disturbing incident and extend our condolences to his family."