Aaron Bushnell self-immolates outside Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., citing opposition to genocide. Police investigate amid heightened tensions.
Update: Air Force engineer Aaron Bushnell passes away in hospital following self-immolation outside Israeli Embassy in DC.
Protest Action in Front of Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.
In front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Sunday afternoon, a protester set himself on fire. The incident occurred at the International Drive entrance.
The man, who identified himself as an active-duty member of the US Air Force, expressed before the self-immolation that he no longer wanted to be “complicit in genocide.
The incident took place shortly before 1 p.m. in the 3500 block of International Drive NW, resulting in no additional injuries.
A video circulating online, purportedly shared by the individual involved, depicts him referencing his U.S. Armed Forces service while chanting “Free Palestine” as he ignited.
Rose M. Riley, an Air Force spokeswoman, confirmed via email that “an active duty airman was involved in today’s incident,” refraining from disclosing further details about his service on Sunday evening.
“He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police also investigated a suspicious vehicle nearby but found no explosives.