Official statement or press release from CBS

Journalist Samuel Mena Sets Arm on Fire Near White House to Protest Media Bias

Oct 6, 2024, 12:50 AM

Journalist Samuel Mena from Phoenix attempted to set himself on fire near the White House during a pro-Palestinian "National Day of Action" protest on Saturday. The incident occurred at 16th St and I St NW near Saint John's Church and Freedom Plaza. Mena, who claimed to work for CBS, ignited his left arm in protest over biased media coverage of the Gaza conflict and to "Free Palestine." Bystanders poured water on him, and police intervened quickly, extinguishing the flames and preventing further harm. He suffered superficial burns to his arm and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.