An Air Force member who set himself on fire outside an embassy in Washington DC has died after the horrifying protest.
Aaron Bushnell live-streamed the protest on Twitch before 1 pm ET on Sunday. The 25-year-old was protesting against Israel when he set himself on fire. The young man from San Antonia has been identified by the Metropolitan Police Department.
In a clip surfacing online, which we won’t be sharing, you can see him casually walking up to the gates of the Israeli Embassy. He’s talking to the camera, saying he won’t be complicit in genocide anymore. Bushnell then tells the camera his protest is nothing compared to what Palestinians have been going through in the current conflict.
He places his camera on the ground, pours an accelerant over his body, ignites himself, and yells “Free Palestine”.
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The United States Secret Service rushed to his side and extinguished the Air Force member before he was transported to hospital in critical condition.
He died from his injuries.
The Air Force said in a statement Monday: “The individual involved in yesterday’s incident succumbed to his injuries and passed away last night.”
A bomb disposal unit was also sent to the site following reports of a suspicious vehicle that may have been connected to Bushnell.
It was later declared safe and no hazardous materials were found.
DC police are working with the US Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the incident.
The Air Force could not confirm Bushnell’s service, citing family notification priorities.
The Isreal-Gaza conflict erupted on October 7 last year after Hamas gunmen infiltrated a music concert, killing hundreds and taking others hostage. Israel responded in Gaza, where 29,300 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
As of last month, 1.9 million civilians in Gaza have been made homeless, according to the United Nations, which is around 85% of the population.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the country’s offensive response, claiming America would be “doing a hell of a lot more” if the USA suffered an attack like the initial conflict.
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