Arson Charge after Man Sets Self on Fire inside Hudson Square Tower
John Butch of Brooklyn has been arrested and hit with arson and other charges after setting himself on fire inside a downtown office building where Google’s NYC HQ and the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau are based.
| 31 Aug 2026 | 05:00
What appeared to be a burned towel and backpack could be seen outside of the 315 Hudson Street building Aug. 28. (
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First responders outside 315 Hudson Street office building at 3:40 p.m.on Aug. 28 where a 63-year-old man earlier set himself on fire. (
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Police and fire vehicles could still be seen outside of the 315 Hudson Street office building at 3:40 p.m. Aug. 28. (
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A 63-year-old man from Brooklyn was arrested and charged with arson after setting himself on fire inside a Hudson Square building which houses corporate NYC HQ of Google and the NYPD Internal Affairs office.
Just before 3 p.m. Aug. 28, the NYPD responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a man setting himself on fire inside an office tower at 315 Hudson Street.
Police have since identified the man as John Butch, who was said to have used a “lighter accelerant” to self immolate himself. He suffered severe burns to his face, head and back
Butch was rushed by EMS to only burn unit hospital in the city as NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in stable condition. Several hours later, police said he was was charged with arson, criminal mischief, arson and reckless endangerment.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with no other injuries reported at this time.
“We are aware of an incident that occurred in the lobby at 315 Hudson, a building we share with other tenants,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement. “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.”
Police have reportedly said that Butch was not an employee of the NYPD. The motive remains unclear.
Butch had yet to be formally arraigned by the Manhattan district attorney as of press time on Aug. 31.