San Antonio Air Force Member Dies After Setting Himself on Fire Outside Israeli Embassy in DC
An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force from San Antonio tragically passed away after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. The 25-year-old airman identified as Aaron Bushnell made the drastic act while declaring that he “will no longer be complicit in genocide.”
Details of the Incident
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon when Bushnell arrived at the embassy and began livestreaming on the video platform Twitch. According to a source familiar with the matter, he set his phone down, doused himself in accelerant, and then ignited the flames.
Statement from the Air Force
In response to the tragic event, the Air Force released a statement confirming Bushnell’s death, stating that the individual involved “succumbed to his injuries and passed away last night.” The Air Force expressed that further information would be provided after notifying the airman’s next of kin.
Political Context
The incident occurred amidst Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for cabinet approval of a military operation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military’s actions in Gaza have faced allegations of genocide against Palestinians, which Israel vehemently denies.
Previous Incidents
This incident echoes a similar event in December, where a person self-immolated outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta. The act was marked as an extreme political protest, with a Palestinian flag found at the scene.
HERE NEWS writer contributed to this report.