Person sets fire to themself outside Israeli consulate in Atlanta in apparent Gaza protest

A person self-immolated outside the Israeli consulate in the US city of Atlanta on Friday, in what police have deemed an "extreme" act of political protest.

The protester, whom officials did not identify, set fire to themself while holding a Palestinian flag and is now in critical condition, police chief Darin Schierbaum said at a news conference.

A security guard who attempted to intervene was also injured.

"We believe this building remains safe, and we do not see any threat here," the chief said.

"We believe that was an act of extreme political protest."