A man holding a Tibetan flag died Thursday after setting himself on fire in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York, according to officials. The New York Police Department responded to a 911 call around 6:30 p.m. and found the 52-year-old man with severe burns.
He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said. Law enforcement is investigating the incident, but officials have not commented on the man's motivations. His name has not been released as his family has not yet been notified.
A United Nations spokesperson confirmed the incident occurred after all scheduled meetings for the day had concluded.
China asserts that Tibet has been part of its territory since the mid-13th century, with the Communist Party governing the region since 1951. Many Tibetans maintain that they were independent for most of their history. They express concerns that the Chinese government seeks to exploit the region's resources while suppressing its cultural identity.
China does not recognize the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibet's government-in-exile, and has not engaged in dialogue with representatives of the Dalai Lama since 2010.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.