US airman sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington
World
"I will no longer be complicit in genocide," said the man, wearing military fatigues, in a video
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A US military service member set himself on fire, in an apparent act of protest against the war in Gaza, outside the Israeli Embassy her on Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
The man was transported to an area hospital after the fire was put out by US Secret Service officers, DC Fire and EMS posted online. The man remains in critical condition, a Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said Sunday afternoon.
An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the incident involved an active duty airman.
The man identified himself as Aaron Bushnell.
"I will no longer be complicit in genocide," said the man, wearing military fatigues, in a video he broadcasted live over the internet, according to the New York Times.
He then doused himself in a clear liquid and set himself on fire, screaming "Free Palestine," the Times reported.
Local police and Secret Service are investigating the incident.
Israel's embassy has been the target of continued protest against the war in Gaza. The war in Gaza has led to pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests in the United States. The protests started after Oct. 7 when Hamas, the Palestinian group that rules Gaza, killed 1,200 Israelis and seized 253 hostages in a cross-border attack.
Since then, Israeli forces have waged a military campaign against the coastal enclave, laying much of it to waste, with nearly 30,000 people dead, according to Palestinian health officials.
CNN adds, “The Metropolitan Police Department responded to the 3500 block of International Drive, NW, at approximately 1:00 pm, to assist the United States Secret Service after an individual set themselves on fire in front of an embassy in the block,” the Washington Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement.
Rose Riley, a spokesperson for the US Air Force, told CNN, “I can confirm an active duty Airman was involved in today’s incident.”
A spokesperson from the Israeli Embassy said, “No embassy staff were injured and are safe.”
By the time firefighters were dispatched to the scene, the fire had already been extinguished by the US Secret Service, according to Vito Maggiolo, a public information officer from DC Fire.
MPD said it is working with the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the incident.
In December, a person set themselves on fire outside the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta in what police said was “likely an extreme act of political protest.” A Palestinian flag that was part of the protest was recovered at the scene, and gasoline was used as an accelerant, police and fire officials told reporters at a news conference.
