Man Arrested for Arson After Setting Himself on Fire in Lower Manhattan Google Building

John Butch, 63, allegedly self-immolated in the lobby of 315 Hudson Street on Friday. He faces arson, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment charges.

Arson Arrest After Self-Immolation at 315 Hudson Street

A 63-year-old man has been arrested on arson charges after allegedly setting himself on fire inside a Lower Manhattan office building shared by Google and the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau, the NY Post Metro reports.

John Butch allegedly used a "lighter accelerant" to ignite himself in the lobby of 315 Hudson Street, near Vandam Street, at around 3 p.m. Friday, according to the NYPD. Officers confirmed Butch is not an NYPD employee.

Multiple bystanders called 911 after the incident. First responders transported Butch to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was admitted for burn treatment and listed in stable condition, police said.

Butch has been charged with arson, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment.

Google, which occupies more than 410,000 square feet in the building according to a 2024 Commercial Observer report, issued a statement Friday. "We are aware of an incident that occurred today in the lobby at 315 Hudson, a building we share with other tenants," a company spokesperson said. "While the individual appeared to be seeking access to another tenant's space in the building, we remain in close contact with local authorities. We are grateful to first responders."

Source: NY Post Metro