US airman dies after setting himself on fire outside Israeli embassy

26 February 2024 , 13:07

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Aaron Bushnell has died from his injuries

A member of the US Air Force has died after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington in an apparent protest against the Israel-Hamas war, according to officials.

The man walked up to the embassy shortly before 1pm local time on Sunday and began live streaming on the video streaming platform Twitch before dousing himself in accelerant and igniting the flames. Officials have not yet released his identity, but he identified himself as 25-year-old Araron Bushnell in the video.

His identity won't be officially released by the US Air Force until 24 hours after final notification is complete. Officials are currently in the process of notifying his next of kin.

At one point in the video, he said he “will no longer be complicit in genocide” and he was heard shouting "Free Palestine" as he burned. Officers from the US Secret Service extinguished the flames and the man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. A spokeswoman for the embassy said no staff members were injured in the incident.

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Fire services tried to put the US Air Force member out

The video was later removed from the platform, but law enforcement officials have obtained and reviewed a copy. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington said its officers had responded to the scene outside the Israeli Embassy to assist U.S. Secret Service officers and that its bomb squad had also been called to examine a suspicious vehicle. Police said no hazardous materials were found in the vehicle.

The incident happened as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking cabinet approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah while a temporary cease-fire deal is being negotiated. Israel ’s military offensive in Gaza, however, has drawn criticisms, including genocide claims against the Palestinians.

Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law in the Israel-Hamas war.

Police were quickly to the scene

In December, a person self-immolated outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta and used gasoline as an accelerant, according to Atlanta’s fire authorities. A Palestinian flag was found at the scene, and the act was believed to be one of “extreme political protest.”

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum police are aware of heightened tensions in the Jewish and Muslim community and have stepped up patrols at certain locations, including the consulate. Demonstrations have been widespread and tensions in the U.S. have escalated as the death toll rises in the Israel-Hamas war.

Liam Buckler