A shocking incident occurred last night outside the Four Seasons hotel in downtown Boston, where a man set himself on fire in full view of pedestrians and hotel guests. As reported by NBC Boston, surveillance footage captured the man, doused in a flammable liquid, igniting himself at approximately 8:15 p.m. Despite the quick response from onlookers trying to extinguish the blaze, the man suffered serious burn injuries.

The Boston Police Department, alongside fire officials and EMS personnel, responded to the corner of Columbus Avenue and Park Plaza upon receiving reports of the incident. According to 7NEWS, evidence markers dotted the sidewalk as investigators worked the scene. The motive behind the man's alarming act remains unclear, and the authorities have made a call to the public for any information pertaining to the event.

Detectives are currently looking into whether the self-immolation was an act of political protest, a spokesperson for the Boston Police Department suggested in a statement provided by Boston 25 News. In the meantime, the identity of the man has not been released, and he remains in a local hospital where the medical staff is treating him for major burns.

Onlookers attempted to come to the man's aid, with one individual, Jeferson Zapata, telling Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra, "I tried to throw water on him," as others rushed to assist with similar efforts, as noted by NBC Boston. The event has left the Boston community shaken, and as the investigation continues, the public awaits further details on this harrowing act and the well-being of the man involved.