According to officials from the U.S. Air Force and local law enforcement, a current member of the U.S. Air Force conducted a disturbing self-immolation outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Sunday.
The Metropolitan Police Department responded to the incident on International Drive, NW, after receiving a call for assistance from the United States Secret Service around 1:00 p.m. local time.
A statement from the MPD stated, “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
Aaron Bushnell, the man who was later identified, was taken to a nearby hospital by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services. DC authorities reported that he was in critical condition.
“MPD’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) has also been requested to scene in reference to a suspicious vehicle that may be connected to the individual. This remains an active investigation at this time,” MPD wrote.
MPD’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) has also been requested to scene in reference to a suspicious vehicle that may be connected to the individual. This remains an active investigation at this time. (3/3)
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 25, 2024
Subsequent updates verified that the vehicle was deemed safe after no hazardous materials were found during the inspection.
What happened outside Israel Embassy in Washington DC: Secret Service spokesperson told @Suntimes “Looks like someone attempted to set themselves on fire. DC Fire running point. Crews are searching his vehicle as a precaution” pic.twitter.com/dTKDNqtwEW
— Lynn Sweet (@lynnsweet) February 25, 2024
Citizen reporter Talia Jane reported that the self-immolation was livestreamed on Twitch.
2 hours after the stream, video had 40 views (no other videos) and the account had no followers, then an hour later this is what it looked like before Twitch took it down: pic.twitter.com/zM9crZs0rV
— Talia Jane ❤️🔥 (@taliaotg) February 26, 2024
Talia was able to obtain a copy of the video, and it was posted on X with the permission of Aaron Bushnell’s family.
In the video, Bushnell, dressed in military uniform, said, “I am an active duty member of the United States Air Force, and I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I’m about to engage in an extreme act of protest. But, compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it’s not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.”
He then set himself on fire, shouting “Free Palestine.”
As Bushnell was engulfed in flames, an officer urgently called for assistance while another aimed his gun and commanded Bushnell to kneel.
It required three fire extinguishers and the prompt arrival of EMTs to extinguish the fire. Despite their valiant attempts, Talia Jane later confirmed that Bushnell had tragically succumbed to his injuries, marking a sorrowful conclusion to his protest.
WATCH:
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO
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