An Air Force Veteran set himself on fire in uniform outside of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. this weekend with the horrifying images being caught on camera. The act of protest was done in support of the Palestinian cause.
Photos and a video livestream show the Air Force serviceman set himself on fire outside of the embassy on Friday. The video was shown live on the popular website Twitch.
The man allegedly stated that he was a member of the U.S. Air Force. Before setting the fire, the man said that he would “no longer be complicit in genocide,” seemingly referencing Israel’s current war against the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza.
“I am about to engage in an extreme act of protest,” he said right before he set himself on fire and shouting “Free Palestine!”
Aaron Bushnell of Texas was reported to be the veteran who set himself on fire.
The US Air Force member who set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in D.C. in an act of protest has been claimed as a member of the far-left. Aaron Bushnell, of San Antonio, died from his injuries. In December, another pro-Palestine protester set him/herself on fire… pic.twitter.com/fWXUnEP2A2
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) February 26, 2024
During the immolation, nearby people asked the man if there was anything they could do. One person sprayed a fire extinguisher on him. Another appeared to draw a weapon.
Members of the U.S. Secret Service doused the flames even before first responders arrived on the scene Sunday afternoon. The man initially survived the fire and was admitted to a local hospital with serious injuries. He later died from his wounds.
No one other than the protester was injured in the fire. He remains in critical condition.
The situation is under investigation. After the man was transported off the scene a hazmat crew inspected his car. However, it was cleared in the investigation as not a current threat.
There is no further known statement from the protester or from the Israeli embassy following the incident.
The conflict in Gaza appears to be entering its next phase, as Israel prepares an attack on Hamas’ last major stronghold. Israel has stated that it would pursue a ceasefire in exchange for remaining hostages held by the terrorist group but would pursue the attack either way.
