Who is John Butch? Man faces arson charges after setting himself on fire at Google office building in lower Manhattan

John Butch, a 63-year-old man, has been arrested for arson after setting himself on fire in the lobby of a building that houses Google in lower Manhattan, according to the NYPD on Saturday. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Friday in the lobby of the Hudson Street building near Vandam Street, where Butch allegedly ignited himself using a lighter accelerant.

Several people called 911, and Butch was transported to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he is currently undergoing treatment for burns and reported to be in stable condition. He faces charges of criminal mischief, arson, and reckless endangerment. Google occupies a space of 410,556 square feet within the building, and the company spokesperson confirmed that they are aware of the incident and in close contact with local authorities. Butch is not an employee of the NYPD.