WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A man tried to set himself on fire in Northwest D.C. on Saturday during a “demonstration,” according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

According to MPD, at around 5:45 p.m., a man who was participating in a demonstration in the 800 block of 16th St. attempted to light himself on fire.

Members of MPD and members of the public quickly put out the fire.

DC Fire and EMS (DCFD) also responded and took the man to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

According to a report from the Washington Post, the man set his left arm on fire during a pro-Palestinian demonstration.

The demonstration comes as Oct. 7 approaches, marking one year since the Hamas attack on Israel. The attack killed around 1,200 people, and around 250 people were taken hostage, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Since then, Israeli forces have killed roughly 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The protest initially numbered in the hundreds, but at about 4 p.m., around 1,000 people marched by the intersection of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Northwest, holding various banners and carrying Palestinian flags, according to the Washington Post.

Following the fire, MPD sent the following statement to DC News Now:

The District of Columbia has a long and proud history of peaceful first amendment activities and the Metropolitan Police Department handles hundreds of protests, demonstrations, and other events every year. We will continue to support those who choose to protest peacefully and safely, and we will continue to hold accountable those who commit criminal acts while in our city.

I extend my gratitude and sincere appreciation to the members of the Metropolitan Police Department for assisting our local, state, and federal partners, and especially our community for helping us keep the District of Columbia safe for everyone

Chief Pamela A. Smith