The man has suffered life-threatening injuries. (@TopixPolitix, Twitter)

Witness Katy Schlefen said she was walking through the Mall when the man, who has yet to be identified, poured a can of gasoline over his head and lit himself on fire. Passing joggers took off their shirts in an effort to put out the flames, she said.

A police department spokesman said that the man was alive and breathing before being airlifted from the scene. MedStar Washington Hospital Center confirmed his arrival, but gave no update as to his condition.

There have been no reports of the man saying anything or otherwise drawing attention to himself before the incident.

Read the full story at ABC News.

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