ATLANTA — Editor's note: There are photos included in this story that showcase severe third-degree skin burns. Viewer's discretion is advised.
A Midtown security guard is working on healing and recovering after he tried to help a woman who reportedly set herself on fire.
It's being described as an "extreme political protest" over the Israel-Hamas war.
The guard's name is Michael Harris, 61. His family says when they heard about what Michael was trying to do, they weren't surprised, as they expected nothing less from him. They say it's just a testament to his character.
Michael's sister-in-law Romona Kea said Michael was engulfed in flames. When she visits him in the hospital, he smiles through the pain.
"He was engulfed in flames. It's very heart-dropping to see your loved one laying there, burned in pain," Kea said.
Michael's wife Tangellia, or Tangie, said she's just coping the best way she can.
"His spirits are up and down. And mentally—physically, he's not doing good," Tangie said.
Harris served in the U.S. Army for seven years. He has been working in the security business for over 15 years. While on shift at the Consulate General of Israel Atlanta, he noticed something was wrong. Atlanta Police said a woman was outside trying to set herself on fire.
"They are trained to protect and serve," Kea said. "And I feel like that's what my brother did."
The family said Michael jumped into action to try and help the woman, but he ended up rolling on the ground to put himself out. He's now recovering in the hospital with first, second, and third-degree burns on different parts of his body. When his wife heard the story, it didn't surprise her.
PHOTOS | Security guard suffers third-degree burns in Midtown incident
"Michael is a very generous person," Tangie said. "He has a very kind heart. There's no strangers."
Tangie said Michael has been playing, over and over, again in his head what he could have done differently, but they believe he would have done it all over again.
"He's always willing to help a person regardless of the situation," Tangie said.
The family has been talking to God, not just for Michael but also for the woman he tried to help.
"I pray for her," Kea said. "I don't understand, but I'm also not going to try to understand."
The silver lining is the outpouring of contributions. Michael has a long road to recovery, but the family said several have kept him uplifted along the way.
"The love and support that we have been receiving from family members, his job, the community, has meant so much to me—to me and my family," Tangie said.
If you'd like to help the family, they've set up an online fundraiser here.