Man set himself on fire at Israeli Embassy in Washington protesting Gaza genocide

WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES: In a shocking incident on Sunday afternoon (25 Feb), a man set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department.

The individual was later confirmed to be an active-duty airman by U.S. Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek on Sunday night.

The harrowing event unfolded around 1 pm in northwestern Washington, with officers from the U.S. Secret Service swiftly extinguishing the flames outside the embassy.

According to a statement released by the police in the U.S. capital, the distressing incident occurred at “the 3500 block of International Drive, NW, at approximately 1:00 pm.”

Officers were dispatched to “assist the United States Secret Service after an individual set themselves on fire in front of an embassy in the block.”

#Incident: MPD responded to the 3500 block of International Drive, NW, at approximately 1:00 p.m., to assist the United States Secret Service after an individual set themselves on fire in front of an embassy in the block. (1/3)

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 25, 2024

It was noted that the man seemed to have documented the protest, live-streaming it on the social media platform Twitch.

However, the video was promptly removed and replaced with a message indicating a violation of Twitch’s guidelines.

Twitter user Talia shared a blurred version of the footage on Monday (26 Feb), identifying the man in the video as Aaron Bushnell, aged 25.

Since its upload, the video has garnered over 5.1 million views on Twitter.

The chilling video captured the moment when law enforcement officers approached the individual just before the fire ignited, asked “Can I help you, Sir?”

In a disturbing declaration on the video, the man asserted, “I will no longer be complicit in genocide,” echoing the language commonly used by critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza to characterize the ongoing campaign.

He went on to state, “I am about to engage in an extreme act of protest.”

Positioned in front of the embassy gates, the individual carefully set his phone down to record the event.

He proceeded to douse himself in a clear liquid from a metal bottle, creating a shocking visual.

With a fervent cry of “Free Palestine!” he ignited himself, sustaining the fiery protest until he ultimately collapsed to the ground.

Subsequently, officers scrambled for over a minute to extinguish the flames.

The man was rushed to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.

In the latest update, Bushnell reportedly succumbed to his injuries, as shared by  Talia who posted on social media that she is in contact with Bushnell’s family and friends.

No embassy staff injured amid self-immolation protest

Amidst the alarming incident, the Israeli Embassy confirmed that none of its staff members were injured, and all personnel were safely accounted for, as stated by Tal Naim, a spokesperson for the embassy.

In response to the self-immolation, the police conducted a thorough investigation of a suspicious vehicle nearby for potential explosives.

However, Sean Hickman, a police spokesman, assured that the scene had been cleared by 4 pm.

Collaborating with the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Washington’s explosive ordnance disposal unit actively participated in the investigation of the incident.

This event is not an isolated occurrence, as there was a previous incident in December 2023 where a protester set themselves on fire in front of the Israeli consulate in the state of Georgia.

In that instance, the demonstrator used petrol, and a Palestinian flag was discovered at the scene.

The ongoing protests against Israel have become a near-daily phenomenon across the country, intensifying since Israel initiated its campaign in Gaza following the 7 October Hamas attacks, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 1,200 lives, according to Israeli officials.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, international calls for a humanitarian cease-fire have gained momentum in recent months.

The Israeli embassy has consistently been a focal point for sustained protests against the war in Gaza, reflecting the escalating civilian death toll in the enclave, which, according to Palestine health ministry officials, has surpassed 29,000.

Recently, the United States vetoed a third UNSC resolution on Israel’s Gaza war, drawing widespread criticism.

This move occurred a day after Washington proposed a resolution linking a temporary ceasefire to the release of all Israeli captives.

The vote, 13-1, with the UK abstaining, underscores global support for ending the conflict that has claimed over 29,000 Palestinian lives.